Sports

Reps to probe alleged misuse of $25m FIFA, CAF grants by NFF

Published

3 months ago

October 29, 2025

Reps to probe alleged misuse of $25m FIFA, CAF grants by NFF

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up a special investigative committee to probe the alleged mismanagement of over $25 million in grants received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) 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 during Tuesday’s plenary session. The motion, titled “Motion to Stop Further Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by Nigerian Football Federation,” was jointly sponsored by Hon. Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Hon. Felix Nwaeke (Rivers).

Adesola, while leading the debate, expressed concern over the poor performance of Nigeria’s national teams, which he attributed to alleged mismanagement of development funds by the NFF. He recalled that in December 2016, FIFA raised an audit query over the handling of a $1.1 million grant, noting that $802,000 lacked proper documentation. This prompted then Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit.

The lawmaker also referenced recent allegations by former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, who accused the NFF of stifling football development through misappropriation of funds, including a $1 million grant meant for the 2002 World Cup preparations.

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Adesola further noted that between 2018 and 2019, top NFF officials, including former President Amaju Pinnick, faced investigations by the EFCC and ICPC over alleged financial misconduct. He cited a trending report on social media regarding a $1.2 million grant allegedly used to construct a mini-stadium in Birnin Kebbi, which upon inspection was found to be substandard.

“There is a need to take decisive action on further misuse of public funds by the leadership of NFF, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup play-offs approaching,” Adesola said.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the House, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The lawmakers resolved to constitute a special committee to investigate the NFF’s financial dealings from 2015 to date and to summon its leadership to present records of grant receipts and expenditures.

Reps to probe alleged misuse of $25m FIFA, CAF grants by NFF

Sports

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.

The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.

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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.

Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré

Sports

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.

The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.

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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.

The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.

The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.

Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Ballon d’Or 2026: Declan Rice Leads Early Rankings Ahead of Kane, Haaland, Mbappé

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already taking shape, with Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé emerging as early front-runners for football’s most prestigious individual award. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo now past their peak, the field is wide open for new stars to claim the coveted Golden Ball.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice tops early rankings thanks to his influential performances in club and international competitions, particularly his leadership in Arsenal’s title push. Close behind are Harry Kane, who continues to score prolifically for Bayern Munich, Erling Haaland with his lethal finishing for Manchester City, and Kylian Mbappé, maintaining his form for Real Madrid and France.

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Rising star Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, also features prominently among early favourites, while other notable contenders include midfield dynamo Vitinha and reigning 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Analysts note that the race is still early and that Champions League and World Cup performances will heavily influence the final outcome.

The early rankings provide a snapshot of the competition, highlighting a mix of established stars and emerging talents who could define the next era of global football.