The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the utilisation of a N12bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for players’ wages and bonuses.
The development was disclosed by the NFF in a letter responding to a request for financial records and utilisation documents relating to the fund.
The letter, dated 18 August 2026 and signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the NFF General Secretary, was addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.
The request had been submitted under Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act and sought access to financial records showing how the N12bn intervention fund was utilised.
However, the NFF said it could not provide the requested documents because the matter is currently the subject of investigations by the EFCC and ICPC.
In the letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879, the federation stated that all documents relating to the request were in the possession of the two anti-corruption agencies.
“It is my instruction to inform you that the subject matter of the request under the Freedom of Information Act are subject of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”
The NFF added:
“Therefore, all documents relating to the request are before Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”
Image Credit: NFF
The federation did not disclose what specific transactions or aspects of the fund are being examined.
It also did not state when the investigations began, which individuals or officials may be under scrutiny, or whether anyone had been invited or questioned by either agency.
The investigation centres on a N12bn intervention approved by President Bola Tinubu to clear outstanding financial obligations to Nigeria’s national teams.
In January 2024, the presidency announced that the payment covered outstanding salaries, allowances and other financial obligations owed to several national teams and their coaches.
A statement from the Tinubu Media Centre said the payment included 15 months of outstanding salaries owed to coaches of the senior national team, as well as allowances and other payments due to the senior men’s, women’s and Under-20 national teams.
“President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others,” the statement said.»
It added: “The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team.”»
Sources cited by SaharaReporters said the NFF told the publication that a significant portion of the money was used to settle hotel accommodation expenses for players at different levels.
The NFF’s response, however, does not provide a detailed breakdown of how the intervention fund was ultimately spent.
The investigation comes amid renewed scrutiny of the administration and financing of Nigerian football.
The NFF has faced persistent criticism over the management of national teams, including concerns about unpaid entitlements, administrative decisions and the use of public funds.
The development also comes days after reports that the NFF, led by president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, had written to FIFA over moves allegedly being considered by the Nigerian government concerning the federation’s leadership.
According to reports, the government had given the National Sports Commission (NSC) the go-ahead to establish an interim committee to oversee Nigerian football and halt the planned NFF election.
The reported move followed growing concerns over the performance and administration of the national teams, including the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
