BREAKING: EFCC And ICPC Summon NFF Officials Over N12 billion
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the N12 billion federal intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the payment of players’ wages and bonuses.
Approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, this fund was intended to clear outstanding payments to Nigeria’s national teams. Investigators have invited officials linked to the matter for questioning, and they are currently on administrative bail while investigations continue.
The NFF responded to a Freedom of Information Act request for financial records regarding this fund, stating that all documentation related to the request is under the jurisdiction of the ongoing investigations by the EFCC and ICPC.
This letter, signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., and dated August 18, 2026, followed a request received on August 11, and it emphasized the agency’s active investigation status.
In January 2024, prior to the Africa Cup of Nations, President Tinubu confirmed the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances owed to various national sporting teams, including the Super Eagles, covering a backlog of up to 15 months.
However, dissatisfaction persisted as the Super Eagles faced financial disputes, notably during a training boycott in November 2025 due to unpaid allowances dating back to 2019. Similarly, members of the Nigerian men’s U-20 team reported debts of N1.5 billion for qualification bonuses and pre-tournament allowances.
This latest investigation arises against a backdrop of worsening public concern regarding the governance of Nigerian football, particularly after the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, elected in September 2022, aims for re-election amid criticism of his tenure, despite claims from his board denying interference from the National Sports Commission, which is rumored to be attempting to halt the elections in favor of a normalization committee to oversee Nigerian football.
The ICPC and EFCC could not be reached for comment at the time of this report.
