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By PUNCH Online
More than two months after the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the use of financial grants allocated to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the House Committee on Sports is yet to submit its findings, sparking concerns among lawmakers and football stakeholders.
In October 2025, the House adopted a resolution to probe over $25 million in grants received by the NFF from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025. The funds were meant for football development across the country.
Background to the Probe
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by lawmakers Adedayo Adesola (Apapa Federal Constituency, Lagos State) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers State).
Titled “Motion to stop further misuse of FIFA and CAF grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” the motion raised concerns over alleged mismanagement of the funds, which Adesola argued had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s poor performances in international football competitions in recent years.
The House, instead of setting up an ad hoc committee as proposed, referred the matter to the House Committee on Sports, mandating it to submit recommendations within four weeks. However, the committee failed to present its report before the National Assembly adjourned for the Christmas and New Year holidays in December 2025.
Lawmaker Raises Alarm
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Online on Thursday, Adesola expressed frustration over the delay.
“Nigerians are interested in knowing the outcome of the committee’s findings. It’s over two months now since the Committee on Sports was given the assignment. So, where are we? What are the findings?” he asked.
The lawmaker linked the alleged administrative failures within the NFF to the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Nigerians are addicted to football. It is a game that knows no tribe or religion. However, the management of football in our beloved country has left much to be desired,” Adesola said.
“We are missing the World Cup for reasons that are largely administrative. The financial losses, appearance fees, and other opportunities we have missed are enormous.”
Longstanding Allegations
Concerns over the management of football funds are not new. Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh had previously accused the NFF of stifling football development through the misappropriation of FIFA and CAF grants.
Oliseh specifically cited the handling of $1 million released by FIFA to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2002 World Cup, describing it as questionable.
Similarly, in December 2016, FIFA issued an audit query over the alleged mishandling of a $1.1 million development grant, reporting that $802,000 lacked proper documentation. The development prompted then Sports Minister Solomon Dalung to order an independent audit and demand full accountability from the NFF.
Call for Transparency
Adesola urged the leadership of the House Committee on Sports to make its findings public without further delay.
“The leadership of the committee should let Nigerians know the details of its findings on the alleged mismanagement of the $25 million. The earlier this is done, the better,” he said.
The renewed push by the lawmaker is expected to intensify scrutiny of the NFF when the National Assembly resumes on January 27, 2026, potentially triggering further legislative action.
