The House of Representatives has launched a fresh investigation into the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the alleged mismanagement of $25 million in grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.
The lawmakers reached the decision on Tuesday after adopting a motion of urgent public importance jointly sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers).
According to the sponsors, the NFF has received millions of dollars in development funds from FIFA and CAF over the years but has failed to invest them properly, leading to the steady decline of Nigerian football at both national and grassroots levels.
“Nigeria’s football fortunes have continued to decline, partly due to poor accountability and lack of transparency in the management of grants received from international bodies,” Adesola said while moving the motion.
He recalled that in December 2016, FIFA queried the NFF over its handling of a $1.1 million grant, revealing that about $802,000 was unaccounted for. The then Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, ordered an independent audit to trace the missing funds, but the outcome of that exercise was never made public.
Adesola also reminded lawmakers that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had at various times investigated top NFF officials for alleged financial misconduct, sponsorship fraud, and contract inflation.
The lawmaker further alleged that $1.2 million earmarked for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was misused. According to him, the completed project is substandard and does not reflect the amount reportedly spent on it.
“With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, there is a need to take decisive action against the continued misuse of football funds,” Adesola stated.
He said that proper investigation into how FIFA and CAF grants were spent was long overdue, stressing that the NFF must be held accountable for every dollar received on behalf of Nigeria’s football.
After deliberations, the House, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously resolved to set up a special investigative committee to carry out a full audit of the NFF’s finances from 2015 to date.
The committee is expected to invite the leadership of the NFF to appear before it with detailed records of all grants received, how they were spent, and documents supporting the expenditures.
The lawmakers also called for collaboration with the Auditor-General of the Federation, the EFCC, and other relevant agencies to ensure transparency and recover any misappropriated funds.
“Nigerians deserve to know how funds meant for football development were used. This investigation is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to restore accountability and rebuild public trust in our football administration,” a lawmaker said during the debate.
Nigeria’s football performance has dropped significantly in recent years despite huge financial inflows from FIFA and CAF. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the country’s local leagues continue to struggle with poor infrastructure, low player welfare, and weak administration.
The new investigation by the House of Representatives is seen as part of wider efforts to clean up sports administration and ensure that funds meant for national development are properly utilised.
The special committee is expected to submit its report within a specified time frame, after which the House will consider further actions, including possible sanctions and legal referrals.
The lawmakers stressed that football remains a unifying factor for Nigerians and must not be left in the hands of those who misuse public and international funds.
“We must protect our national pride. If we get our football right, we can inspire hope and unity across the country. But that begins with transparency,” Adesola said.
