EFCC Opens Probe Into ₦12bn NFF Intervention Fund — Fresh Details Emerge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its investigation into the utilisation of the ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is still ongoing.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development on Thursday while responding to inquiries about the status of the investigation.

“Investigation is ongoing on the matter,” Oyewale said.

The development follows reports that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had launched separate investigations into the ₦12 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024.

The funds were reportedly released to clear outstanding salaries, allowances and bonuses owed to players and officials of Nigeria’s national football teams.

A source familiar with the investigation told Punch on Thursday that some officials linked to the management of the funds had been invited by investigators and had provided statements.

However, the source did not disclose the identities of those questioned or indicate whether any arrests had been made in connection with the investigation.

The probe comes at a turbulent period for the NFF, following the resignation of its president, Ibrahim Gusau, after three years and 11 months in office.

Gusau announced his resignation during a press conference in Abuja, explaining that he reached the decision after consultations with his family and friends.

He said:

“I have decided to resign my position as the president of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends.”

He added:

“I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well.”

The former NFF president said he could not immediately confirm how many members of the federation’s board had accepted his advice, noting that those who intended to resign had yet to communicate their decisions directly to him.

Gusau’s resignation followed mounting concerns over the performance of Nigeria’s national football teams.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons also missed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s youth teams have also experienced setbacks, with the Golden Eaglets failing to qualify for three consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Despite his resignation, Gusau said he remained committed to supporting the development of Nigerian football.

He said:

“For me, I want to make it clear that, by the grace of God, we will continue to give our contribution.”

He added:

“Our experience, connections and relationships within African football will never go in vain. We will do our best to ensure that whenever we are needed, we will contribute to the progress of Nigerian football.”