EFCC, ICPC Investigate N12bn NFF Intervention Fund
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the use of a N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for players’ wages, bonuses and other outstanding payments.
The development was disclosed by the NFF in a letter responding to a request for financial records showing how the money was spent.
The letter, dated 18 August 2026 and signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the NFF General Secretary, was addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.
The request was made under the Freedom of Information Act and sought documents relating to the use of the N12 billion fund.
However, the NFF said it could not release the documents because the matter is currently being investigated by the EFCC and ICPC.
In the letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879, the federation said the documents requested were now 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 are subject of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC),” the letter stated.
The NFF added that “all documents relating to the request” were before the two agencies.
The federation did not say what specific transactions are being examined. It also did not disclose when the investigations started, which officials may be under scrutiny, or whether anyone has been invited for questioning.
How the N12bn fund came about
The investigation centres on a N12 billion intervention approved by President Bola Tinubu to clear outstanding financial obligations owed to Nigeria’s national teams and their coaches.
In January 2024, the Presidency announced that the money would be used to settle unpaid salaries, allowances and other financial obligations involving several national teams.
The Tinubu Media Centre said the payment included 15 months of outstanding salaries owed to coaches of the senior national team, as well as allowances and other payments due to the senior men’s, women’s and Under-20 teams.
Sources cited by SaharaReporters also claimed that a large part of the money was used to settle hotel accommodation bills for players at different levels.
However, the NFF’s latest response does not provide a full breakdown of how the N12 billion was eventually spent.
The investigation comes amid renewed scrutiny of the management and financing of Nigerian football.
The NFF has faced criticism over the handling of the national teams, including concerns about unpaid entitlements, administrative decisions and the management of public funds.
The development also comes days after reports that the NFF, led by President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, had written to FIFA over alleged plans by the Nigerian government concerning the leadership of the federation.
Reports claimed that the government had given the National Sports Commission (NSC) approval to set up an interim committee to oversee Nigerian football and stop the planned NFF election.
The reported move followed growing concerns over the performance and administration of the national teams, including the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
