Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies are investigating the alleged handling of about N12bn (£5.8m) in government funds released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the payment of players’ wages, bonuses and other related expenses, according to Sahara Reporters.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are reportedly examining how the funds were disbursed and used.
The investigation is said to centre on money released by the Nigerian government to settle outstanding financial obligations to national team players and support football-related activities.
The reported probe comes amid longstanding concerns over the management of public funds allocated to Nigerian football, including payments owed to players and officials representing the country.
The NFF administers Nigeria’s national football teams and is responsible for managing a range of financial obligations arising from international competitions and other football activities.
Details of the investigation, including the identities of individuals who may be questioned or whether any formal allegations have been made, remain unclear.
Neither the EFCC nor the ICPC has publicly announced conclusions from the reported investigation.
Any findings by the agencies could have significant implications for the administration of Nigerian football, particularly if investigators establish that public funds were mismanaged or diverted from their intended purpose.
The NFF has faced scrutiny in the past over financial management, while Nigerian footballers have on several occasions complained about delays in the payment of allowances, bonuses and other entitlements.
The reported N12bn investigation is therefore likely to attract considerable attention as authorities seek to establish how the funds were allocated and whether they were used for the purposes for which they were released.
