The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), also known as the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), has once again found itself embroiled in a web of financial recklessness, scandals, and misappropriation of government funds.
The recent revelation of the mismanagement of a substantial sum of money meant to settle backlogs of bonuses, allowances, and salaries for national teams has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the football governing body.
In a shocking turn of events, it was disclosed that in 2024, the NFF received a staggering sum of 17 billion Naira from the Federal government to clear outstanding payments owed to various national teams.
However, reports emerged that the funds were diverted for other purposes, leading to threats of boycotts by national team players. Despite attempts by the NFF to suppress the truth, allegations of financial misconduct continued to surface.
Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, did not mince words when he accused the NFF of pocketing a significant portion of the government funds, leaving players deprived of essential resources and support.
Mikel highlighted the dire need for transparency and accountability within the organization to prevent further damage to Nigerian football.
The Sports Stakeholders Forum in Nigeria took a bold step by petitioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds by the NFF executives.
The forum raised concerns over questionable disbursements of funds, including payments to third-party companies for player allowances and bonuses.
The call for a thorough investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was made to ensure that those responsible for financial misconduct are held accountable.
FIFA’s regulations against government interference in football administration do not excuse corruption within football organizations.
The EFCC’s intervention in probing the NFF’s financial affairs is crucial to upholding integrity and transparency in Nigerian football. It is imperative that the EFCC acts decisively to address the allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within the NFF.
As the spotlight shines on the NFF’s financial practices, the football community and stakeholders await concrete actions to root out corruption and safeguard the future of Nigerian football.
The voices of players, officials, and concerned citizens calling for accountability must not go unheard.
It is time for the EFCC to bark and bite, ensuring that those responsible for financial impropriety face the consequences of their actions.
In the words of Mikel, “People who know what it means to represent your country should be the people in charge of it, not the people who want to steal money.”
The time for change and accountability within the NFF is now.
By Sylvanus Ofekun
