A FORMER Nigerian international, Harrison Jalla, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch an immediate investigation into the financial activities of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over allegations of mismanaged FIFA development funds.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Jalla, who is also Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts, made the call in reaction to the recent conviction of top officials of the Congo Football Federation over financial crimes.
A Congolese court recently sentenced the federation’s president, Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, to life imprisonment after he, alongside his wife, son, and two other officials, was found guilty of money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery.
The convictions were linked to the misappropriation of approximately $1.3 million in FIFA development funds.
Drawing comparisons, Jalla questioned why similar action has not been taken in Nigeria despite longstanding allegations against football administrators.
“If $1.3 million can send the Congolese president to jail, what about Nigerian Football Federation officials?” he asked.
Jalla alleged that several funds received by the NFF over the years remain unaccounted for, including grants linked to Nigeria’s participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
According to him, about $8.4 million from the 2014 World Cup was allegedly “fictitiously retired” through questionable expenses, including a non-existent friendly match and other listed items.
He also claimed that a separate $10 million grant for the 2018 World Cup “disappeared,” alleging that the funds were diverted from official accounts.
In addition, Jalla referenced the FIFA Forward programme funds, reportedly released in tranches, and revenues from broadcast sponsorship deals, including those involving SuperSport, which he said amount to tens of millions of dollars.
The former international accused Nigerian football authorities of operating with impunity, claiming that officials appear shielded from prosecution despite what he described as “overwhelming evidence.”
He further criticised what he called weak oversight by global football governing body FIFA, alleging that the organisation has failed to adequately monitor how its grants are utilised in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, our football federation officials seem to be immune to prosecution on corruption allegations,” he said.
Jalla also questioned the role of legislative bodies, including the National Assembly’s sports committees, in ensuring accountability within Nigerian football administration.
He urged both the House of Representatives and Senate committees on sports to intensify oversight and ensure that allegations of corruption are thoroughly investigated.
“These issues cannot be swept under the carpet,” he said, insisting that accountability is necessary for the revival of Nigerian football.
Raising further concerns, Jalla alleged that whistleblowers have faced intimidation, including legal actions and harassment, for speaking out against alleged corruption within the system.
He also referenced statements made by a former Super Eagles captain, suggesting that such testimonies should prompt immediate investigation by relevant authorities.
Jalla concluded by urging the EFCC and ICPC to act decisively, warning that continued inaction could further damage the credibility and development of football in Nigeria.
He stressed that reforms, transparency, and accountability are critical to restoring confidence in the administration of the sport.
As of the time of filing this report, the NFF has not officially responded to the allegations, while anti-graft agencies are yet to indicate whether investigations will be initiated.