A member of the House of Representatives has criticised the slow progress in investigating how the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) used more than $25 million (about ₦12 billion) in grants from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), sources say. The lawmaker spoke days before the National Assembly returns from recess.
The House of Representatives approved a probe in October 2025 into the use of FIFA and CAF development funds given to the NFF from 2015 to 2025, amid concerns about how the money was spent and whether it helped grow the sport in Nigeria.
The matter began after a motion titled “Motion to stop further misuse of FIFA and CAF grants by Nigerian Football Federation” was adopted, co‑sponsored by Hon. Adedayo Adesola of Lagos and Hon. Felix Nwaeke of Rivers State.
The motion argued that alleged mismanagement of international football funds contributed to poor performance of Nigeria’s national teams.
Rather than set up a special committee, the House sent the issue to its Committee on Sports for review and reports.
That committee was given four weeks to complete its work. However, the report was not submitted before the House adjourned for the Christmas and New Year break in December 2025, prompting criticism from lawmakers.
In an interview with PUNCH Online on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Adesola said Nigerians want to know the outcome of the investigation. “It’s over two months now since the Committee on Sports was given the assignment. So, where are we? What are the findings?” he asked, urging quicker action.
Adesola argued that the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico could be linked partly to administrative issues in Nigerian football, including how funds are handled.
“We are missing the World Cup this year for reasons that are largely administrative,” he said.
Observers have pointed to past allegations that the NFF received development funds but delivered little visible results, including an audit query by FIFA in 2016 which reported missing records for about $802,000 of a $1.1 million grant.
The lawmaker said transparency and accountability are essential to restore confidence among Nigerians who love football. He stressed that the earlier the findings are made public, “the better,” for the sport and the country.
The House of Representatives is expected to resume on January 27, 2026, when the debate and potential legislative actions on the matter could gain fresh attention.
