The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the alleged mismanagement of $25 million in financial grants received from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Tuesday, co-sponsored by Adedayo Adesola from Lagos State and Felix Nwaeke from Rivers State.

Moving the motion, Adesola said that despite receiving millions of dollars in development grants over the years, the NFF had failed to appropriately invest the funds, a situation he claimed has contributed to Nigeria’s declining football standards.

He recalled that in December 2016, FIFA queried the NFF over the handling of a $1.1 million grant, noting that $802,000 was not properly accounted for. Following this, the then Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, ordered an independent audit of the funds.

Adesola also referenced previous investigations of NFF officials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of financial mismanagement and sponsorship fraud.

He further alleged that $1.2 million earmarked for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was misused, claiming that the completed facility is substandard and does not reflect the reported expenditure.

“With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, there is a need to take decisive action against the continued misuse of football funds,” Adesola stated.

Presiding over the session, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced that the House had unanimously resolved to establish a special investigative committee to audit the NFF’s finances from 2015 to date.

The House also directed the leadership of the NFF to appear before the committee with comprehensive records of all grants received and expenditures made within the period under review.