Security Agencies Probe NFF Officials Over Alleged Threat to National Security

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched an investigation into allegations that some senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have engaged with foreign interests in ways considered capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security.

The development was reported by multiple Nigerian media outlets on Tuesday, with security sources saying the intelligence agencies are examining communications allegedly intercepted between some NFF officials and foreign nationals. The contents of the communications were described by a source as “highly disturbing” and potentially capable of creating security concerns for the country.

According to the reports, the investigation goes beyond allegations involving the management of funds belonging to the football federation.

A security source specifically distinguished the intelligence probe from the N17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to help the NFF clear outstanding salaries, allowances and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.

The source said any investigation into possible financial impropriety involving the intervention fund would fall under the jurisdiction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), rather than the DSS or NIA.

The source explained that the DSS is primarily concerned with domestic security threats, while the NIA handles external intelligence matters. The reported joint involvement of both agencies therefore suggests that the allegations being examined are considered broader than routine administrative or financial issues.

The investigation comes at a difficult time for the NFF, whose leadership has faced mounting criticism over the performance and administration of Nigeria’s national teams.

The Super Eagles have missed consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, while the Super Falcons recently suffered a historic setback after failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s women’s team lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final before subsequently losing 2-1 to South Africa in the World Cup qualification playoff.

The setback ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991.

The NFF executive committee, led by President Ibrahim Gusau, is consequently facing increased pressure, with reports that more than half of the executive committee members have resigned or are considering resignation.

The reported intelligence probe could also have implications for the federation’s planned elective congress. The NFF is scheduled to hold its next board election on September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, although concerns have emerged over whether the current turmoil could affect the process.

For now, the allegations remain under investigation, and the reports do not establish that any NFF official has been found guilty of wrongdoing.

The development is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency and accountability within Nigerian football as stakeholders await further details from the security agencies and the federation.