The House of Representatives has decided to probe the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over alleged mismanagement of $25 million in financial grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, jointly sponsored by Adedayo Adesola from Lagos State and Felix Nwaeke from Rivers State.
Adesola stated that the NFF had received millions of dollars in development grants but failed to utilise the funds effectively, which has contributed to the steady decline of football in Nigeria.
He recalled that in December 2016, FIFA raised concerns about how the NFF managed a $1.1 million grant, pointing out that $802,000 was not properly accounted for. The then Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, later ordered an independent audit of the funds.
Adesola further referred to earlier investigations of NFF officials by the EFCC and ICPC over alleged financial misconduct and sponsorship-related fraud.
He also alleged that $1.2 million earmarked for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was misappropriated, claiming the completed facility is substandard and does not reflect the reported expenditure.
“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 said.
The House, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously resolved to set up a special investigative committee to audit the NFF’s finances from 2015 to the present.
It also directed the NFF leadership to appear before the committee with detailed records of all grants received and expenditures made within the period under review.
