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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Nigeria Football Federation President Gusau Under Fire Amidst Team Failures and Fund Probe

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau faces intense criticism after the Super Eagles' World Cup qualification failure and the Super Falcons' elimination.
  • Critics accuse the NFF leadership of fostering an unaccountable system, leading to calls for accountability from sports commissions and the Senate.
  • Investigations have begun into the utilization of a N12 billion government fund for player wages and bonuses, placing Gusau's leadership in jeopardy.

The administration of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau is under severe scrutiny following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons' exit from the Women's World Cup. This dual disappointment signals a significant collapse in the nation's football governance, with critics labeling the "Glass House" leadership as fostering a toxic and unaccountable environment that prioritizes bureaucratic interests over talent.

Mounting pressure from the National Sports Commission and the Senate has intensified calls for Gusau's administration to be held accountable. The situation has become more precarious with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) launching investigations into the N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund. This fund was allocated in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu to clear outstanding payments for players' wages and bonuses.

Despite Gusau recently receiving an award for "Football Infrastructure Icon of the Year" and highlighting achievements like FIFA Forward-funded pitches and upgraded player hostels, these accolades do little to appease public opinion. The focus remains on the team's poor performance on the field. The National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, has even moved to pause the NFF's scheduled September 27 election, considering the installation of a three-month Normalisation Committee instead.

Gusau has been summoned by the Senate Committee on Sports, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi, placing him in a corner as he fights to protect his presidency and legacy. Reports indicate that some officials linked to the NFF have already been invited by investigators and have provided statements regarding the utilization of the government funds, further intensifying the spotlight on Gusau's leadership.

They have been under our radar before now. We invited some officials over to our offices, and they gave t

— SourcesRegarding the investigations into the NFF's financial dealings.
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Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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