The Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency have reportedly opened a joint investigation into allegations involving senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The investigation centres on claims that some NFF officials may have been working with foreign interests in a manner considered capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security.
A security source disclosed that the two intelligence agencies had intercepted communications between unnamed NFF officials and foreign nationals. The communications were described as potentially capable of creating security concerns for the country.
The allegations go beyond the separate investigation into the management of the Federal Government’s ₦17 billion intervention fund released to the NFF to settle outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
That financial matter has attracted the attention of anti corruption agencies, while the involvement of the DSS and NIA reportedly relates to broader national security concerns.
The development comes at a difficult time for Nigerian football administration, with the NFF facing mounting criticism over the recent performances and management of the country’s national teams.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also suffered a historic setback after failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s women’s national team had previously appeared at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991. That record came to an end following their failure to secure qualification for the 2027 tournament.
The NFF executive committee, led by president Ibrahim Gusau, is consequently facing increased pressure from sections of the football community.
Reports also indicate that several members of the federation’s executive committee have either resigned or are considering their positions, adding further uncertainty to the federation’s leadership.
The latest investigation could intensify the pressure on the NFF as authorities seek to establish whether there is any substance to the allegations against unnamed officials.
No specific NFF official has been publicly identified as being responsible for the alleged communications, and the claims have not been established as fact.
The investigation is therefore expected to determine the nature of the communications, the individuals involved and whether any conduct amounted to a threat to Nigeria’s national interests.
The development also comes with the NFF’s next board election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
With the federation already facing intense scrutiny over the state of Nigerian football, the outcome of the security investigation could have significant implications for its leadership and the future administration of the country’s national teams.
