Nigerians have reacted with outrage following reports that the House of Representatives has launched a probe into the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the alleged misappropriation of more than $25 million in development grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

The investigation, initiated during Tuesday’s plenary session, followed a motion sponsored by Adedayo Adesola and Nwaeke Uche, who expressed concern over the alleged poor utilisation of funds meant for grassroots football development.

The lawmakers noted that despite receiving over $25 million in grants, the NFF had little to show in terms of infrastructure or youth development programmes. They specifically cited a $1.2 million allocation reportedly used to construct the Birnin Kebbi Mini Stadium, which they described as substandard and far below international standards.

Adesola compared the project to Senegalese star Sadio Mané’s privately funded $150,000 Bambali Mini Stadium, noting that the disparity highlighted mismanagement within the NFF.

Following the revelations, Nigerians took to social media to express their anger and demand accountability.

@UnkleAyo, a football enthusiast, wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“If we have the energy to troll the Super Eagles, we should channel the same energy to call out the NFF. How do you spend $1.2 million from FIFA to build this chicken farm? Where are the projects funded by FIFA and CAF?”

Another user, @PrideOfRivers, compared the NFF’s project with Sadio Mané’s stadium, posting:

“Frame 1: $150,000 Bambali Mini Stadium, built by Sadio Mané. Frame 2: $1.19 million Kebbi Mini Stadium, built by NFF. Observation no be crime.”

In an ironic twist, FIFA on Tuesday posted an image of the Kebbi Mini Stadium on its official X page, sparking further outrage. Entrepreneur Dr. Victor Udeozor (@cevizor) criticised FIFA for “encouraging corruption” within Nigerian football, writing:

“Look at the stadium NFF built with $1.2 million, which made FIFA update its official X profile picture. What a national embarrassment.”

Speaking on Channels Television, Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, said the NFF must account for how it spent the grants and provide a detailed breakdown of projects executed.

“The NFF has a case to answer. They must come out clearly to explain how the FIFA grants were spent, the contractors engaged, and the progress of the projects,” Amadu stated. (BusinessDay)

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