EFCC CONTINUES PROBE INTO ₦12BN NFF FUND AS GUSAU RESIGNS

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

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development on Thursday while responding to inquiries about the investigation. He simply stated that the matter remained under investigation.

The probe follows reports that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had commenced investigations into how the funds were utilised. The money was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding wages and bonuses owed to players of Nigeria’s national teams.

A source familiar with the investigation disclosed that some officials connected to the fund had been invited by investigators and had provided statements. However, the source did not reveal the identities of those questioned or confirm whether anyone had been arrested.

The investigation 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 at a press conference in Abuja, explaining that he reached the decision after consultations with his family and friends. He also advised members of his board who were willing to step down to do the same.

The former NFF president, however, could not immediately confirm how many board members had resigned, saying those concerned had yet to communicate their decisions directly to him.

Gusau's resignation follows mounting concerns over Nigeria's recent performances across international football. 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 Under-17 World Cup.

Despite stepping down, Gusau said he would continue contributing to the development of Nigerian football through his experience and relationships within African football.

He also highlighted what he described as achievements recorded during his administration, including improvements in coaching education, league administration, refereeing and infrastructure development.

Gusau said the federation had organised several coaching programmes, including CAF B and C Licence courses and a Coaching Instructors' Course, while the CAF A Licence programme was scheduled to begin on September 16.

He further identified inadequate infrastructure as one of the major challenges facing Nigerian football, saying his administration had prioritised the development of facilities and permanent accommodation and training centres for the national teams.

With the EFCC investigation still ongoing, attention is now focused on how the ₦12bn intervention fund was utilised and whether the probe will result in further action against any officials found to have breached financial regulations.