NEWS
EFCC, ICPC Probe ₦12 Billion Federal Government Fund Released to NFF for Players’ Wages, Bonuses
Fresh questions have emerged over the management and utilisation of a ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the payment of players’ wages, allowances and bonuses, following confirmation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the matter.
The NFF disclosed the development in a letter signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the federation’s General Secretary, in response to a request seeking the disclosure of financial records and utilisation logs relating to the intervention fund.
The letter, dated August 18, 2026, was addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke following an earlier correspondence dated August 7, 2026, which the football federation said it received on August 11.
The request was made under the Freedom of Information Act and sought access to financial records and other documents relating to the ₦12 billion intervention fund reportedly released by the Federal Government to address players’ wages and bonuses.
However, the NFF said it was unable to release the requested records because the subject matter was already being investigated by the country’s two major anti-corruption agencies.
In the letter with reference number NFF/LEG/10/1/879 and titled, “Re: Application for disclosure of financial records and utilisation logs regarding the ₦12 billion Federal Government Intervention Fund released for players’ wages and bonuses,” the federation stated that the documents being sought were already before the EFCC and ICPC.
“I am directed to refer to the above subject matter and your correspondence dated 7th August, 2026 but received on 11th August, 2026,” the letter stated.
“It is my instruction to inform you that the subject matter of the request under the Freedom of Information Act are subject of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”
The NFF further stated: “Therefore, all documents relating to the request are before Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”
The revelation has placed the management of the ₦12 billion intervention fund under intense scrutiny, especially because the money was reportedly released to settle outstanding financial obligations to Nigerian athletes and national teams.
While confirming that the EFCC and ICPC are investigating the matter, the NFF did not disclose the specific aspects of the fund’s utilisation that triggered the probes. The federation also did not provide details of the allegations, transactions or financial records currently being examined by the anti-corruption agencies.
It remains unclear when the investigations commenced, whether any NFF officials or other individuals have been invited for questioning, and whether investigators have identified specific transactions of interest.
The development comes against the backdrop of longstanding public concerns over the financing and administration of Nigerian football, particularly the management of public funds allocated for the preparation, welfare and participation of national teams in international competitions.
The EFCC is empowered to investigate financial and economic crimes, while the ICPC is responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences and promoting measures aimed at preventing corrupt practices in public institutions.
Information surrounding the utilisation of the intervention fund has also continued to attract attention, with reports indicating that a significant portion of the ₦12 billion may have been deployed to settle outstanding hotel accommodation expenses incurred by players and national teams at different levels.
The ₦12 billion intervention fund was widely linked to the Federal Government’s efforts to clear a backlog of outstanding payments owed to Nigerian national teams.
In January 2024, it was reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved the payment of outstanding financial obligations involving the Super Eagles and other national sporting teams.
According to a statement issued through Tinubu’s Media Centre, the intervention was expected to cover 15 months of outstanding salaries owed to coaches of the senior national team, as well as allowances and other payments due to the senior men’s, women’s and Under-20 national teams.
“President @officialABAT has approved the payment of ₦12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others,” the statement read.
“The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team.”
Meanwhile, the financial controversy is unfolding at a particularly sensitive period for the NFF, as the leadership of the federation is reportedly facing uncertainty over the future administration of Nigerian football.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led NFF board had written to world football governing body FIFA over alleged plans by the Nigerian government to remove the current leadership.
According to reports, the National Sports Commission (NSC) was given the go-ahead to establish an interim committee to oversee Nigerian football and halt the planned NFF election.
The reported move was said to have followed growing concerns over recent performances and developments within Nigerian football, including the women’s national team’s failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time in history.
With the EFCC and ICPC investigations now confirmed by the NFF itself, attention is expected to remain firmly fixed on how the N12 billion intervention fund was managed and whether the money was utilised strictly for the purposes for which it was released.
The outcome of the investigations could have far-reaching implications for the administration of Nigerian football, the management of public funds meant for sports, and the future of officials found to have played any role in transactions that may come under the scrutiny of investigators.