The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the utilisation of a N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to settle outstanding obligations to national-team players, coaches and officials.
The development emerged from an August 18, 2026, letter signed by Onoja Joshua on behalf of the NFF General Secretary, in response to a Freedom of Information request seeking financial records and utilisation logs relating to the fund.
The correspondence, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879, was addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke following an earlier request dated August 7 and received by the federation on August 11.
The NFF declined to provide the requested documents, explaining that the subject matter was already before the EFCC and ICPC.
Read Also:
- Imo PDP urges EFCC, ICPC to probe LG funds
- Senate advances Bill to scrap EFCC, ICPC asset recovery powers, proposes new anti-corruption agency
- MOSOND backs EK Clark, calls on EFCC, ICPC to invite, probe Okowa
According to the federation, all documents relating to the request are currently with the two anti-corruption agencies as part of their investigations.
The NFF, however, did not disclose the specific transactions being examined, the identities of any officials under scrutiny, or whether any individuals had been invited for questioning.
The investigation adds another layer to long-running concerns over the administration of public funds within Nigerian football.
The N12 billion intervention was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January 2024 to clear outstanding obligations owed to Nigeria’s national teams. The payment covered up to 15 months of senior national-team coaches’ salaries as well as allowances and other outstanding payments involving senior, women’s and Under-20 national teams.
The announcement came shortly before the Super Eagles’ participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The exact structure of the fund has since become a subject of controversy. Earlier reports and allegations cited concerns over outstanding player bonuses, allowances and other expenses despite the intervention.
A July 2026 report by The Nigerian Observer also said the National Assembly had received petitions alleging discrepancies in the disbursement of the N12 billion intervention and questioning claims that substantial portions were used to settle accommodation expenses during national-team engagements.
An unnamed NFF board member disputed the allegations, saying the federation had appeared before the relevant National Assembly committee and provided explanations on how the money was spent.
The latest confirmation that the EFCC and ICPC are examining the matter means the final account of the intervention fund could now depend on the outcome of the anti-corruption investigations.
Neither the EFCC nor the ICPC has publicly announced, in the information currently available, specific findings, charges or conclusions arising from the investigation.
The development also comes amid broader tensions surrounding the administration of Nigerian football and the future of the current NFF leadership.
Reports have recently emerged of disagreements between sections of the government and the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board over the administration of the federation, including claims concerning a possible interim arrangement and the forthcoming NFF election.
For now, the NFF’s refusal to release the requested financial records on the grounds that they are with the EFCC and ICPC has intensified calls for greater transparency over the management of public funds allocated to Nigeria’s national football teams.
The outcome of the investigations is expected to provide clarity on how the N12 billion was disbursed, whether the funds were used for their approved purposes and whether any financial irregularities occurred.
