The anti-graft agency says its investigation into the Federal Government intervention fund is ongoing as the football federation faces a fresh leadership crisis
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed that its investigation into the utilisation of the ₦12bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation is ongoing, adding another layer of scrutiny to the crisis engulfing Nigerian football.
Also read: NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, board members resign amid national team failures, funding probe
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while responding to enquiries about the investigation.
“Investigation is ongoing on the matter,” Oyewale said. (Punch Newspapers)
The confirmation follows reports that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had opened separate investigations into the handling of the intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding wages, allowances and bonuses involving Nigeria’s national teams.
The NFF itself disclosed last week that the two anti-corruption agencies were investigating the matter after declining a Freedom of Information request for financial records and utilisation documents relating to the fund. (Punch Newspapers)
A source familiar with the investigation said some officials connected with the fund had been invited by investigators and had provided statements.
The source said the officials were on administrative bail, although the identities of those questioned were not disclosed.
The investigation therefore remains at an early stage, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established against any individual.
The ₦12bn intervention was approved by President Tinubu in January 2024 to clear accumulated financial obligations to Nigeria’s national teams, including outstanding salaries, allowances and bonuses.
The presidential approval came shortly before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. (Punch Newspapers)
The latest development comes at a particularly difficult moment for 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 on Thursday, saying he had reached the decision after consulting his family and friends.
“I have decided to resign my position as the president of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends,” Gusau said.
The outgoing president also said he had advised members of his board who were willing to resign to do so, although he could not immediately confirm how many had accepted the advice.
Gusau’s departure has intensified uncertainty within the federation just weeks before the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. (Reuters)
His resignation followed mounting criticism over the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, ending Nigeria’s uninterrupted participation in every edition of the women’s tournament since its inception. (Reuters)
Nigeria’s age-grade teams have also faced setbacks, with the Golden Eaglets missing out on the FIFA Under-17 World Cup for three successive editions.
Despite the pressure surrounding his administration, Gusau defended some of its achievements, particularly in coaching development, refereeing, league administration and infrastructure.
He said the federation had organised several coaching programmes, including CAF B and C Licence courses and a Coaching Instructors’ Course, while the CAF A Licence programme was scheduled to begin on September 16.
On refereeing, Gusau said the NFF had introduced younger officials into the system and provided opportunities for their training and development.
He also pointed to the participation of Nigerian referees at major continental and international competitions as evidence of progress in the area.
Infrastructure, however, remained one of the federation’s major challenges, according to Gusau. He said the administration had sought to use FIFA development funds to improve facilities and provide permanent accommodation and training centres for the national teams.
“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.
The financial investigation has added to longstanding concerns over the management of Nigeria’s football finances, particularly as players and coaches have repeatedly complained about delayed payments.
In November 2025, Super Eagles players reportedly boycotted a training session in Morocco ahead of their 2026 World Cup play-off, citing unpaid allowances dating back to previous competitions.
Members of the Flying Eagles also complained in April 2026 about outstanding payments estimated at ₦1.5bn. (Punch Newspapers)
Against that backdrop, the EFCC’s confirmation that its investigation remains active is likely to sustain pressure for greater accountability over public funds committed to Nigerian football.
For now, however, the anti-graft agencies have not announced any conclusion from their investigations, while the NFF leadership transition is expected to shape the next phase of the federation’s response to both its financial and sporting challenges.
Gusau, for his part, said his departure would not end his involvement in Nigerian 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.”
Also read: Nigeria football: Government reportedly orders NFF board to resign within 24 hours
The coming weeks will therefore be closely watched as investigators pursue the ₦12bn fund trail and the NFF prepares for a leadership transition amid an increasingly urgent demand for transparency, stability and improved sporting results.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
