Gusau resignation: N12bn NFF intervention fund probe ongoing, says EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed that its investigation into the utilisation of the N12bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation is ongoing.

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The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this while responding to inquiries on Thursday.

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“Investigation is ongoing on the matter,” Oyewale said.

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The development follows reports that the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had commenced investigations into the utilisation of the intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding wages and bonuses owed to players of Nigeria’s national teams.

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A top source familiar with the matter told our correspondent on Thursday that some officials linked to the fund had been invited by investigators and had provided statements.

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The source, however, did not disclose the identities of the officials invited or indicate whether any arrest had been made.

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The investigation comes amid renewed developments at the NFF, following the resignation of its President, Ibrahim Gusau, after three years and 11 months in office.

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Gusau announced his resignation at a news conference in Abuja, saying his decision followed consultations with his family and friends.

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“I have decided to resign my position as the president of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends.

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“I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well,” he said.

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He, however, said he could not immediately confirm the number or identities of board members who had resigned, explaining that those affected had yet to communicate their decisions directly to him.

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Gusau’s resignation came amid concerns over Nigeria’s recent performances in international football.

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The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons also missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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Nigeria’s age-grade teams have equally struggled, with the Golden Eaglets failing to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in three consecutive editions.

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Despite his resignation, Gusau said he would continue to contribute to the development of Nigerian football through his experience and relationships within African football.

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“For me, I want to make it clear that, by the grace of God, we will continue to give our contribution.

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“Our experience, connections and relationships within African football will never go in vain. We will do our best to ensure that whenever we are needed, we will contribute to the progress of Nigerian football,” he said.

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Gusau also highlighted what he described as achievements of his administration in coaching education, league administration, refereeing and infrastructure development.

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He said the NFF conducted several coaching programmes, including CAF B and C Licence courses and a Coaching Instructors’ Course, while the CAF A Licence programme was scheduled to commence on September 16.

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On refereeing, Gusau said the federation introduced young officials into the system and provided opportunities for their training and development.

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He noted that Nigerian referees had recently featured at major continental and global competitions, including the Under-17 World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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Gusau also identified inadequate infrastructure as one of the major challenges facing Nigerian football, saying his administration prioritised the development of facilities through funds available under FIFA development programmes.

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“As a board, we sat down and identified infrastructure as one of our greatest needs. We also recognised the need for permanent accommodation and training facilities for our national teams, and we are currently working on that,” he said.

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He said he remained committed to supporting efforts to advance Nigerian football whenever his contribution was required.

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