House Summons NFF Over Alleged Misuse Of FIFA, CAF Grants

The House of Representatives has summoned the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, to appear before its Committee on Sports over alleged misuse of development grants received from the world football governing body, FIFA, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Apapa Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Mr. Adedayo Adesola, who expressed concern over reports of mismanagement of funds meant for football development in the country.

In his lead debate, Mr. Adesola referenced recent allegations by former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, who accused the NFF of misappropriating FIFA and CAF funds, including a One million dollar grant reportedly released for Nigeria’s preparation for the 2002 World Cup.

He further noted that between 2015 and 2025, the NFF allegedly received over $25 million in grants from FIFA and CAF, with little or no evidence of corresponding projects to justify the funds.

The lawmaker also recalled FIFA’s 2016 audit query over a $1.1 million development grant to the NFF, which reportedly lacked proper documentation.

Adesola cited similar controversies between 2018 and 2019, when NFF officials, including then-President Amaju Pinnick, faced public criticism and investigations by the EFCC and ICPC over alleged diversion of sponsorship funds and development grants.

He particularly mentioned the One point two million dollars reportedly allocated for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium, describing the facility as “substandard” despite the huge expenditure.

Following deliberations, the House resolved to investigate the NFF’s financial records and activities from 2015 to date.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji