Security Agencies Probe NFF

ValidViewNetwork can exclusively report that the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency are investigating allegations that some senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation may have been working with foreign interests in ways capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security.

A security source who spoke to ValidViewNetwork on condition of anonymity said the intelligence agencies had intercepted what he described as “highly disturbing” communications between some NFF officials and foreign nationals.

According to the source, the alleged communications raised concerns over activities that could potentially create security challenges for the country.

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Investigation Not About N17bn Fund

ValidViewNetwork has learned that the investigation is not primarily connected to the N17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to help the NFF settle outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.

“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,” a source submitted.

“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.”

Growing Pressure on NFF Leadership

ValidViewNetwork understands that the alleged probe comes amid growing criticism of the NFF over the state of Nigerian football.

The Super Eagles have missed consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, while the Super Falcons recently suffered a setback in their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, ending their title defence. They subsequently suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa, missing out on the World Cup entirely.

ValidViewNetwork has also learned that the NFF executive committee led by its president, Ibrahim Gusau, is under increasing pressure to resign amid the growing criticism and the reported resignation or planned resignation of more than half of its members.

NFF Election in Doubt

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that the development has raised concerns over the NFF election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The security source suggested that the reported resignations may be connected to concerns surrounding the alleged investigation.

“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,” the source said.ValidViewNetwork will continue to follow this developing story as more information emerges.