The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed social media claims alleging it receives millions in “free money” from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In an official statement, the federation clarified these funds are strictly allocated for specific development projects, not discretionary gifts.
All financial allocations from global and continental football bodies undergo rigorous tracking according to the NFF. “Monies from FIFA and CAF are purpose-bound for approved initiatives, not general gifts to the federation,” the statement emphasized. Both organizations conduct annual audits to verify proper fund utilization.
The federation highlighted the FIFA Forward programme’s implementation in Nigeria as evidence of transparent operations. Projects like the NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and Abuja’s MKO Abiola National Stadium training pitches undergo multi-stage verification. Each development phase undergoes assessment before FIFA releases subsequent payments directly to approved consultants.
NFF criticized sources spreading “fictitious figures” about FIFA funds, questioning their understanding of national team operational costs. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to international financial standards, noting PricewaterhouseCoopers prepares its annually presented audited accounts.
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