In a year that should have been one of the brightest for Nigerian football, with significant government funding and international rewards, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) finds itself in the midst of a brewing storm of discontent. Despite receiving generous grants from both the federal government and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reports have surfaced that the NFF has failed to settle outstanding salaries and bonuses for national team players and coaches across all categories.
The crisis, which threatens to escalate into a full-blown rebellion, centers around the unpaid dues of players and coaching staff of the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, Flying Eagles, and Golden Eaglets. The staggering backlog of unpaid salaries and bonuses, running into billions of Naira, has sparked outrage among football stakeholders and raised serious concerns about the NFF’s financial mismanagement.
Huge Grants, But No Payments
In a move to address the mounting debts owed by the NFF, President Bola Tinubu stepped in earlier this year, releasing a total of N17 billion in grants to the federation. The funds were meant to clear long-standing debts, including unpaid salaries for national team coaches and players. Initially, the government allocated N12 billion in January to offset 15 months’ worth of salary arrears for the Super Eagles and other national teams. Later, a supplementary sum of N5 billion was provided, bringing the total government support to N17 billion.
But, despite this substantial financial lifeline, the NFF has struggled to meet its obligations. According to sources within the NFF, the funds were redirected to cover hotel bills and other operational costs during international engagements in 2024. A portion of the grant also went towards paying for travel expenses, with concerns raised about possible kickbacks and personal commissions from hotel bookings.
In addition to the government’s N17 billion, CAF contributed $4 million to the NFF, rewarding the Super Eagles for their impressive silver medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite these significant inflows of cash, the NFF has been unable—or unwilling—to clear the backlog of unpaid bonuses and salaries.
A Brewing Revolt
The most affected include coaches who have not received their salaries for months. Ladan Bosso, the head coach of the Flying Eagles, has not been paid since 2022, while Nduka Ugbade, the sacked coach of the Golden Eaglets, is still owed his dues from the same year. Both coaches, along with their backroom staff, are yet to receive the payments promised to them upon their appointments.
EFCC Investigation and Growing Discontent
As the NFF’s financial mismanagement continues to dominate headlines, there are signs that the situation may lead to legal consequences. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has already begun investigating the NFF’s finances, with the anti-graft agency seeking clarification from the National Sports Commission (NSC). The EFCC is concerned that public funds meant for the development and maintenance of the national teams may have been misappropriated.
Sources at the presidency have also hinted at further scrutiny of the NFF’s handling of the funds. “There are serious questions surrounding the use of the grants from both the government and CAF,” an insider at Aso Rock said. “The NFF has failed to live up to its responsibilities, and this cannot go unaddressed.”
In response to the growing crisis, President Tinubu’s administration has taken additional steps to address the poor state of Nigerian football. A new initiative, the Presidential Support Group (PSG), has been set up with an earmarked budget of N3 billion. The PSG will focus on assisting the Super Eagles with their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This move comes after Nigeria’s underwhelming performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the Super Eagles managed only three points from four matches, placing them in a precarious sixth position in Group C.
The Stakes for Nigeria’s Football Future
The stakes for Nigeria’s football future are higher than ever. The presidency has recognized that the success of the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is crucial not only for the nation’s pride but also for its political standing. As the country braces for the next phase of World Cup qualifiers, the government has made it clear that it cannot afford another failure on the global stage.
With the PSG initiative and the renewed focus on football, the government hopes to reignite the country’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. However, the success of this initiative will largely depend on the NFF’s ability to manage the available resources effectively, ensuring that the players and coaches are motivated and well-compensated for their efforts.
“The government has shown its commitment to Nigerian football by allocating funds for the PSG and taking steps to assist the Super Eagles,” a source close to the presidency commented. “However, the NFF must take responsibility for its actions and ensure that the players and coaches are paid what they are owed. This is not just about football; it’s about the integrity of Nigerian sport.”
