The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the utilisation of a ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for players’ wages and bonuses.
The development comes amid continued concerns over the management of public funds allocated to Nigerian football and the financing of the country’s national teams.
NFF Confirms Ongoing Investigations
The disclosure was contained in a letter issued by the NFF in response to a request for access to financial records and utilisation documents relating to the fund.
The letter, dated August 18, 2026, was signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the General Secretary of the NFF, and addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.
The request had been submitted under the Freedom of Information Act, seeking details of how the ₦12 billion intervention fund was received and spent.
However, the NFF declined to release the requested documents, explaining that the matter is already being examined by the EFCC and ICPC.
Documents Now With Anti-Graft Agencies
According to the NFF’s response, financial records and other documents connected to the fund have been made available to the two anti-corruption agencies as part of their investigations.
The letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879, was titled “Re: Application for disclosure of financial records and utilisation logs regarding the N12 billion Federal Government Intervention Fund released for players’ wages and bonuses.”
The federation stated that the subject matter of the Freedom of Information request is currently under investigation by both agencies.
Questions Over Management of Football Funds
The investigation is likely to intensify scrutiny of the financial administration of Nigerian football, particularly the handling of government interventions intended to support national team players.
The ₦12 billion fund was reportedly released to cover players’ wages and bonuses, but the request for detailed financial records has now raised questions about how the money was utilised.
The EFCC and ICPC are expected to examine the relevant financial records and determine whether the funds were properly applied.
No findings of wrongdoing have been established against the NFF or any individual in connection with the fund at this stage. The investigation remains ongoing.
