DSS, NIA Launch Probe Into NFF Over Alleged Sabotage
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 be working with foreign interests to undermine Nigeria’s national security.
A security source familiar with the matter said the two intelligence agencies were examining communications allegedly intercepted between some NFF officials and foreign nationals.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the source described the contents as serious enough to raise concerns about possible threats to the country.
The source said the investigation was not primarily about the management of funds released to the NFF, but rather about issues considered to have broader national security implications.
According to the source, the DSS and NIA became involved after intelligence reports allegedly indicated contacts between some NFF officials and foreign interests.
The source said the intercepted communications were considered “highly disturbing” and potentially capable of creating security problems for Nigeria.
The development comes amid growing criticism of the NFF leadership over the state of Nigerian football, the performance of the national teams and allegations surrounding the management of government funds released to support the federation.
Intelligence Agencies Examine Alleged Foreign Links
When asked whether the investigation was connected to the N17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to help the NFF settle outstanding payments owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams, the security source said the financial aspect was a separate matter.
“It is true that President Bola 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, not the DSS and NIA,” the source said.
The source explained that the involvement of the two intelligence agencies suggested that the matter being investigated went beyond alleged financial misconduct.
“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 very serious, especially when the persons involved are saddled with the responsibility of managing an important body like the NFF,” he stated.
The allegations come at a difficult period for the NFF, whose leadership has faced increasing pressure from football stakeholders over the performance and administration of the country’s national teams.
The Super Eagles have missed consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, while the Super Falcons recently suffered a historic setback in their attempt to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria’s women’s national team lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, ending their title defence and forcing them into the World Cup qualification playoff route.
The Super Falcons subsequently lost 2-1 to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the World Cup qualification playoff.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s long-standing record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991 and meant the country would miss the tournament for the first time.
The failures have intensified calls for changes within the NFF, with the executive committee led by President Ibrahim Gusau coming under pressure.
More than half of the members of the NFF executive committee are also reported to have resigned or be considering resignation, raising questions about the stability of the federation ahead of its next elective congress.
An insider suggested that the reported intelligence investigation could further complicate the situation.
“That at least half of NFF executive have or are contemplating resignation, may not be unconnected with the fear of DSS and NIA probe, fuelling fears on the possibility of holding the NFF board election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State,” the insider said.
The NFF is expected to hold its elective congress in Lafia on September 27, where a new leadership structure could emerge.
Pressure Mounts on Gusau
The latest development adds to existing pressure on Gusau and his executive committee, with questions being raised about the direction of Nigerian football and whether the current leadership has done enough to address longstanding problems.
Ahmad, in a post on X, said criticism of the NFF leadership was legitimate but questioned what he considered the intensity of the campaign against the federation’s president.
“There appears to be a growing campaign by some individuals to force the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Mallam Ibrahim Gusau, out of office,” Ahmad wrote.
“I believe that while criticism and accountability are necessary, the apparent intensity of the campaign against the NFF leadership raises questions about its motives.”
He argued that the problems confronting Nigerian football predated the current administration of the federation and could not be resolved simply by removing its leadership.
According to him, areas such as administration, funding, grassroots development, player welfare, coaching, infrastructure and the overall organisation of the sport require long-term reforms.
Ahmad said the central question should be whether stakeholders were genuinely interested in fixing Nigerian football or merely seeking to remove individuals from positions of authority.
“So, the question we should now ask is are we trying to fix Nigerian football or are we simply trying to remove individuals from positions of responsibility?” he asked.
He nevertheless maintained that NFF officials should be held responsible where they fail in their duties.
“If there are areas where the NFF has failed, those responsible should be held accountable,” Ahmad said.
“But removing an elected football administrator should not become an objective in itself, particularly when there are ongoing efforts to reform the system.”
Ahmad also warned that repeated attempts to remove football administrators could further destabilise the sport.
“Constant attempts to remove football administrators before they have the opportunity to implement meaningful reforms can further weaken the institution and distract from the real issues affecting the game,” he said.
He stressed that the NFF should serve the broader interests of Nigerian football rather than those of individuals or private groups.
“The NFF belongs to Nigerian football, not to any individual or interest group,” Ahmad said.
“What should ultimately matter is the development of the sport, the welfare of our players, the growth of grassroots football and the return of Nigerian football to where it belongs.”
His comments followed reports that the NFF leadership had been given a 24-hour ultimatum to resign over concerns about the administration of the federation and the performance of the national teams.
Gusau became NFF president in September 2022 after winning the federation’s elective congress in Benin City, Edo State.
