The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the utilisation of a ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for players’ wages, bonuses and other related obligations.
The development was disclosed by the NFF in a letter responding to a request for access to financial records and utilisation documents relating to the fund.
The letter, dated August 18, 2026, was signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the NFF General Secretary and addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.
The request, made under the Freedom of Information Act, was contained in correspondence dated August 7 and received by the football federation on August 11.
NFF Withholds Financial Records. In its response, the NFF said it could not release the requested records because the matter is currently being investigated by the EFCC and ICPC.
The letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879 and titled “Re: Application for disclosure of financial records and utilisation logs regarding the N12 billion Federal Government Intervention Fund released for players’ wages and bonuses,” stated that all relevant documents were already with the two anti-corruption agencies.
The federation said the subject matter of the FOI request was under investigation by both the EFCC and ICPC and that the requested documents were therefore in the custody of the agencies.
Details Of Probe Not Disclosed. The NFF did not disclose the specific transactions or activities that triggered the investigations.
It also did not identify any officials under scrutiny, state when the investigations began, or reveal whether individuals connected to the management of the fund had been invited for questioning.
The development nevertheless raises fresh questions about the management of the ₦12 billion intervention fund, particularly because the money was released to settle financial obligations involving Nigeria’s national teams and players.
Sources reportedly told SaharaReporters that a significant portion of the money was used to settle hotel accommodation expenses incurred by players at various levels of government.
Tinubu Approved ₦12bn Sports Payment. The intervention fund dates back to an announcement in January 2024, when President Bola Tinubu approved the payment of ₦12 billion in outstanding obligations owed to Nigeria’s national teams across various sports.
The approved payment was said to cover up to 15 months of outstanding salaries for senior national team coaches, as well as allowances, bonuses and other payments due to the Super Eagles, women's national team and Under-20 teams.
The funds were intended to address accumulated financial obligations affecting Nigeria's national teams.
NFF Faces Wider Scrutiny. The investigation comes amid renewed scrutiny of the administration and financing of Nigerian football.
Reports on Tuesday also indicated that the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board had approached FIFA over an alleged government plan to remove the current leadership and halt the planned NFF election.
The reports claimed that the Federal Government had authorised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to establish an interim committee to oversee Nigerian football.
The reported move followed concerns surrounding the performance of the country's football administration, including the Super Falcons' failure to qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time.
The EFCC and ICPC investigations into the ₦12 billion fund could further intensify scrutiny of how public funds allocated to Nigerian football have been managed.
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