By Seun Ibiyemi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have commenced investigations into the utilisation of the N12bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for outstanding payments to national team players and officials.
The fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle salary arrears, allowances and bonuses owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
A source familiar with the investigation told our correspondent on Thursday that some officials connected to the management of the funds had been invited by investigators and questioned.
“They have been under our radar before now. We invited some officials over to our offices, and they gave their statements. Presently, they are on administrative bail. We have not ended our investigation,” the source said.
The investigation came to light following the NFF’s response to a Freedom of Information request seeking access to financial records and utilisation documents relating to the N12bn intervention fund.
In a letter dated August 18, 2026, and signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the NFF General Secretary, the federation declined to release the requested documents, citing the ongoing investigations by the EFCC and ICPC.
The letter was addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke, following correspondence dated August 7 but received by the NFF on August 11.
The NFF said all documents relating to the request were currently with 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 is subject of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission,” the letter stated.
“Therefore, all documents relating to the request are before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.”
How the N12bn Was Approved
President Tinubu approved the N12bn payment in January 2024, ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, to clear outstanding financial obligations to Nigeria’s national teams.
A statement issued through the President’s media centre at the time said the intervention covered up to 15 months of unpaid salaries owed to senior national team coaches, as well as allowances and other payments due to the senior men’s and women’s teams and the U-20 side.
The intervention was intended to address long-standing financial obligations within the national teams.
However, reports of unpaid allowances and bonuses have continued since the release of the funds.
In November 2025, the Super Eagles reportedly boycotted a training session in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their 2026 World Cup play-off against Gabon over outstanding allowances dating back to 2019.
In April 2026, reports also emerged that members of the 2023 and 2025 Flying Eagles teams were owed about N1.5bn in qualification bonuses and camp allowances for participation in major competitions.
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The latest investigation comes amid growing concerns over the administration and financial management of Nigerian football.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup have further intensified scrutiny of the country’s football administration.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who was elected in September 2022, is seeking a second term at the federation’s scheduled September 27 elective congress.
His administration has faced criticism from sections of the football community, although the NFF leadership has continued to defend its record.
There have also been claims that the National Sports Commission is considering moves to halt the planned elections and establish a normalisation committee to oversee Nigerian football.
The NFF board has denied the claim.
As of the time of filing the report, the spokespersons for the EFCC and ICPC, Dele Oyewale and John Odey, respectively, could not be reached for comments on the investigation.
