The Nigerian House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigation into financial grants totaling $25 million received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This resolution, adopted at a recent plenary session, followed a motion of urgent public importance brought forth by Hon. Adedayo Adesola from Lagos State and Hon. Felix Nwaeke from Rivers State.

As part of the inquiry, the House has resolved to summon the leadership of the NFF to appear before its Committee on Sports. They are mandated to present crucial documentation detailing the receipts and expenditures of these substantial grants, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of football development funds.

Hon. Adesola, while moving the motion, expressed profound concern that the alleged mismanagement of these international grants is a primary factor behind the recent subpar performances of Nigeria's various national football teams. He highlighted a specific instance from December 2016, when FIFA issued an audit query regarding the handling of a $1.1 million development grant to the NFF. The query revealed that an alarming sum of $802,000 within this grant lacked proper documentation, prompting the then Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit and demand a full account of the receipts and disbursements from the NFF.

The issue of financial impropriety within the NFF is not new. Between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials, including the then President Amaju Pinnick, faced significant public criticism and were subjected to investigations by prominent anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). These probes and subsequent court actions were tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship deals, indicating a recurring pattern of financial irregularities.

Among the specific allegations brought to light is a sum of $1.2 million, which is currently the subject of widespread discussion on social media, purportedly used by the NFF for the construction of Birnin Kebbi Stadium. However, a physical inspection of the facility in Birnin Kebbi by lawmakers raised serious concerns. The stadium was found to be substandard in terms of both quality and quantity, leading to the conclusion that its condition could not possibly justify the $1.2 million claimed to have been spent on the project by the NFF.

Further emphasizing the scale of the alleged profligacy, Hon. Adesola drew a direct comparison with the Kenyan Football Federation. He noted that the Kenyan counterpart utilized the same amount of grant money to develop a standard and well-equipped football facility, thereby casting a shadow on the NFF's management of funds. With crucial upcoming events like the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup play-offs involving the Super Eagles, the lawmaker underscored the urgent necessity for decisive action to prevent any further misuse of public funds by the current leadership of the NFF, ensuring that resources are effectively channeled towards the development and success of Nigerian football.