The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following allegations of mismanaging $25 million in grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025. The resolution came after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, co-sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers).

Adesola noted that the NFF has received millions of dollars from international football bodies for development projects but has failed to use the funds properly, resulting in Nigeria’s poor football performance in recent years. He reminded the House that in 2016, FIFA questioned the NFF over a $1.1 million grant, of which $802,000 was not properly accounted for, prompting then-Sports Minister Solomon Dalung to order an independent audit.

The lawmaker also pointed to previous probes of NFF officials by the EFCC and ICPC over alleged financial irregularities and sponsorship fund misuse. He cited a case where $1.2 million meant for constructing the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was allegedly misused, with the completed project described as substandard compared to the amount spent.

“With major tournaments like the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers coming up, it is time to hold officials accountable and stop the repeated misuse of football funds,” Adesola stressed.

Following deliberations, the House—led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas—unanimously agreed to set up a special investigative committee to review the NFF’s financial activities from 2015 to date. The Federation has also been directed to appear before the committee with full records of all grants received and expenditures made within the period under review.