The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly in debt to players and officials of the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, Flying Eagles, and Golden Eaglets, according to recent allegations. Despite receiving a 17 billion naira allocation, these payments remain outstanding.
In January, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, allocated 12 billion naira to the NFF to settle all debts owed to the Super Eagles and other sports teams.
The funds were intended to cover 15 months of unpaid salaries for national team coaches, unpaid bonuses, and promised payments to both male and female national teams.
Subsequently, an additional 5 billion naira was disbursed, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) provided $4 million in recognition of Nigeria’s second-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, these debts remain unsettled.
As a result, players from the Super Eagles and Super Falcons are reportedly frustrated. While the players struggle to receive their salaries, NFF executives are accused of extravagant spending and failing to address the outstanding payments.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped in to investigate the NFF’s financial records. It has sought clarifications from the National Sports Commission (NSC) to expand its probe.
This investigation also highlights how these financial mismanagement issues might have contributed to Nigeria’s poor start in the World Cup qualifiers. Efforts are now being made to reverse the situation and salvage the country’s fading World Cup hopes.