DSS, NIA probe NFF officials over alleged links to foreign interests

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are investigating allegations that some top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are working with foreign interests to undermine Nigeria’s national security.

A security source said the agencies Intercepted communications allegedly involving NFF officials and foreign nationals that were considered serious enough to raise concerns over the potential security threats.

The source stressed that the investigation goes beyond the N17 billion intervention fund approved in 2024 to clear outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to Nigeria’s national teams. Financial issues relating to the fund, the source said fall under the jurisdiction of the EFCC.

“It is true that the that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 approved N17 billion as a special intervention fund to help NFF clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams. However, that falls within the purview of the EFCC and NIA”, said the source.

“The mandate of the DSS is on dealing with domestic threats to national security. The NIA deals with external threats. So, when you hear that the DSS and NIA are jointly investigating a matter, it has got to be serious, especially when the person involved are saddled with the responsibility of managing an important body like NFF”, he stated.

The probe comes amid growing criticism of the administration of Nigerian football, following a series of setbacks involving the country’s national teams.

However, NFF has recently come under scrutiny of many football fans who regretted that football teams have suffered neglect over funding, resulting in Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups, and historic failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The NFF executive committee led by Ibrahim Gusau, is also facing pressure, with reports that several board members have resigned.

The development could also affect the NFF board election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, amid concerns over the the future of the federation’s current leadership.

-9News Nigeria.