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

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