DSS, NIA Probe NFF over alleged Links to Foreign Interests

The Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are probing allegations that certain senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have collaborated with foreign entities in a manner that could jeopardize Nigeria's national security. A confidential intelligence source indicated that intercepted communications between NFF officials and foreign nationals were deemed "highly disturbing" and raised concerns about potential security threats.

The source clarified that while the DSS and NIA are investigating these allegations, issues of financial impropriety would be handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The source emphasized that President Bola Tinubu's N17 billion intervention fund approved in 2024 for NFF to settle outstanding payments to national teams falls under EFCC jurisdiction.

The investigation has sparked criticism of the NFF, with football fans and stakeholders expressing concerns over the federation's administration, funding, and the performance of Nigeria's national teams. Nigeria's national football teams, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, have faced significant setbacks, including missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments and the Super Falcons failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The NFF executive committee, under President Ibrahim Gusau, is facing pressure to resign amid the investigation and the reported resignations of more than half of its members. This development has raised concerns about the upcoming NFF election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.