The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed that its investigation into the utilisation of the ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation is ongoing.
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EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development on Thursday while responding to inquiries about the status of the investigation.
“Investigation is ongoing on the matter,” Oyewale said.
The probe follows reports that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had begun examining how the intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 was utilised.
The fund was reportedly provided to enable the NFF clear outstanding wages and bonuses owed to players and officials of Nigeria’s national football teams.
A source familiar with the investigation said some officials connected with the administration of the fund had been invited by investigators and had made statements.
The identities of those reportedly invited were not disclosed, while there was no confirmation that any person had been arrested or charged in connection with the investigation.
The EFCC’s confirmation establishes only that an investigation is ongoing and does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against any individual or official of the football federation.
The development comes amid a major leadership transition at the NFF following the resignation of its President, Ibrahim Gusau, after three years and 11 months in office.
Gusau announced his resignation at a press conference in Abuja, saying the decision followed consultations with members of his family and friends.
“I have decided to resign my position as the president of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends,” he said.
“I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well.”
Gusau said he could not immediately state how many board members had also resigned because those concerned had yet to formally communicate their decisions to him.
There has been no official indication linking Gusau’s resignation to the EFCC investigation, and he did not cite the probe as the reason for stepping down.
His exit, however, comes amid mounting scrutiny of Nigerian football following a series of disappointing results by the country’s national teams.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons also missed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s age-grade teams have similarly struggled, with the Golden Eaglets failing to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in three consecutive editions.
Despite leaving office, Gusau said he remained willing to contribute to the development of Nigerian football through his experience and relationships within African football.
“For me, I want to make it clear that, by the grace of God, we will continue to give our contribution,” he said.
“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.”
Gusau also defended aspects of his administration’s record, pointing to initiatives in coaching education, refereeing, league administration and infrastructure development.
According to him, the federation organised CAF B and C Licence coaching programmes as well as a Coaching Instructors’ Course, while a CAF A Licence programme was scheduled to commence on September 16.
He said the NFF had also introduced younger referees into the system and expanded training opportunities, noting that Nigerian officials had participated in major continental and international competitions, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
On infrastructure, Gusau said his administration identified inadequate facilities as one of the major constraints facing Nigerian football and sought to address the challenge through FIFA development funding.
“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.
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