Abuja, Nigeria – 30 October 2025
A storm has erupted in Nigerian football governance after social media critic Chinedu “@c_mobike” released a series of videos accusing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of gross financial mismanagement of funds received from FIFA and CAF.
The viral allegations, which claim that more than $25 million in FIFA Forward Programme and CAF development grants were mishandled over the past decade, have now drawn the attention of the National Assembly and ignited a fresh debate over transparency in Nigerian sports administration.
What @c_mobike Claims
In a widely circulated video campaign, @c_mobike asserts that since 2016, the NFF has received over $10 million under the FIFA Forward Programme with “little or no visible grassroots development” to show for it.
He specifically alleges that:
USD 1.2 million was used for a substandard stadium in Birnin Kebbi, raising concerns of FIFA fund mismanagement in Nigeria.
Similar grants for projects in Ugborodo, Delta State remain unaccounted for, with no public audit reports or documentation.
The NFF has failed to provide clear, audited financial breakdowns of how these grants were used.
These claims have reignited Nigeria’s long-standing conversation about corruption in sports governance and accountability in football funding.
Lawmakers Mobilize: House of Reps to Probe NFF
In response to mounting public pressure, the House of Representatives Committee on Sports has opened a probe into the NFF’s financial dealings from 2015 to date.
Key points from the motion include:
Investigation into alleged mismanagement of $25 million in FIFA and CAF grants.
Demand for audited accounts and spending records for all development funds.
Reference to past FIFA audit queries, including a 2016 $802,000 documentation gap.
Specific mention of the Kebbi stadium project, alleged to be overvalued and poorly executed.
The House has resolved that NFF executives must appear before the investigative panel, submit all relevant records, and cooperate fully with the inquiry.
The NFF Strikes Back: Denials and Clarifications
The Nigeria Football Federation has issued a strong rebuttal, calling the circulating figures “fictitious” and “deliberately misleading.”
According to the NFF: All funds from FIFA and CAF are project-specific and subject to strict international auditing. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) serves as the Federation’s auditor, with reports presented during the NFF Annual General Assembly.
Highlighted projects like the NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and training pitches at MKO Abiola Stadium are cited as evidence of proper fund utilization. However, critics argue that the Federation’s statement lacks transparency, offering no detailed financial reports or open-access audit findings—an issue central to the ongoing NFF corruption investigation.
Voices, Reactions & Risks
Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has denied any wrongdoing tied to the Kebbi project, stating that FIFA’s global auditing systems prevent misuse of development funds.
Observers say the timing of this NFF scandal is critical, as Nigeria prepares for AFCON 2025 qualifiers and World Cup playoffs; posing serious risks to reputation, sponsorship, and player morale.
Civil society groups and anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC are monitoring the situation closely, with calls for a forensic audit of NFF finances gaining traction among fans and journalists. For Nigerian football stakeholders, players, clubs, and sponsors; the fallout could be long-lasting: eroded trust, reduced funding, and slowed infrastructure development across the country.
What Comes Next
- Timeline & Subpoena: Will NFF executives testify under oath before the House committee?
- Forensic Audit: Possible involvement of independent auditors to track FIFA and CAF fund usage.
- Legal Fallout: If mismanagement is proven, EFCC and ICPC probes may follow.
- Reform Demands: Mounting pressure for sports governance reform in Nigeria, focusing on financial accountability and institutional transparency.
As scrutiny intensifies, this case has grown beyond football. It’s a litmus test for accountability in Nigerian sports governance. HOT SPORTS SCOOPS will continue to track every development in the NFF $25 million investigation and provide verified updates on Nigerian football administration.