EFCC still investigating N12bn fund for Nigerian football

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed that it is still looking into how the N12bn Federal Government fund meant for the Nigeria Football Federation is being used.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said this while answering questions on Thursday.

"Investigation is ongoing on the matter," Oyewale said.

This news comes after reports that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have started looking into how the intervention fund, approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, is being spent. The fund was meant to clear unpaid wages and bonuses for players of Nigeria’s national teams.

A reliable source who knows about the situation told our correspondent on Thursday that some officials tied to the fund have been called in by investigators and have given statements.

The source did not share the names of the officials called in or say if any arrests had been made.

The investigation is happening as changes occur at the NFF, especially after the resignation of its President, Ibrahim Gusau. He stepped down after serving three years and 11 months in office.

Gusau made his resignation known at a press conference in Abuja. He mentioned that he made this decision after talking with his family and friends.

"I have decided to resign my position as the president of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends.

I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well," he said.

He could not immediately confirm how many board members had resigned or their names. He explained that those who resigned had not yet told him directly.

Gusau’s resignation comes as people express worries about Nigeria’s recent performances in international football.

The Super Eagles did not qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. The Super Falcons also failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s youth teams have also had it tough. The Golden Eaglets missed out on the FIFA U-17 World Cup for three straight editions.

Despite stepping down, Gusau said he would keep helping Nigerian football with his experience and connections in African football.

"For me, I want to make it clear that, by the grace of God, we will continue to give our contribution.

Our experience, connections and relationships within African football will never go in vain. We will do our best to ensure that whenever we are needed, we will contribute to the progress of Nigerian football," he said.

Gusau also talked about what he sees as achievements during his time in office, including coaching education, league management, refereeing and infrastructure development.

He said the NFF held several coaching programs, such as CAF B and C Licence courses and a Coaching Instructors’ Course. He mentioned that the CAF A Licence program was set to start on September 16.

On refereeing, Gusau said the federation brought in young referees and gave them chances for training and growth.

He pointed out that Nigerian referees have recently taken part in big continental and global competitions, including the Under-17 World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Gusau also said that poor infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian football. He noted that his administration focused on improving facilities with money from FIFA development programs.

"As a board, we sat down and identified infrastructure as one of our greatest needs. We also recognised the need for permanent accommodation and training facilities for our national teams, and we are currently working on that," he said.

He stated that he would keep supporting efforts to improve Nigerian football whenever he is needed.