Some senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are reportedly being investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) over allegations that they worked with foreign interests in activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security.

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According to a report by Vanguard, a security source said the two intelligence agencies intercepted what was described as “highly disturbing communication” between some NFF officials and foreign nationals. The source stressed that the investigation goes beyond the ₦17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.

The source explained that financial matters relating to the intervention fund fall primarily within the jurisdiction of anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). According to the source, the involvement of both the DSS and NIA indicates that the authorities are examining issues considered potentially more serious than financial impropriety.

“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,” the source said.

NFF Election Under Pressure

The reported investigation comes amid growing uncertainty within the football federation, with the source claiming that at least half of the NFF executive members have either resigned or are considering resignation.

The development could potentially affect the NFF board election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, although there has been no confirmation that the election will be postponed.

The NFF is already facing an investigation by the EFCC and ICPC over the management of the ₦17 billion federal intervention fund. The probe reportedly followed the federation’s refusal to grant access to documents relating to the management and expenditure of the money, with the NFF stating that the relevant records had been handed over to the anti-corruption agencies.

NFF Faces Wider Crisis

The latest allegations add to mounting pressure on the leadership of the football federation following a difficult period for Nigerian football.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reportedly directed members of the NFF executive committee to step down amid concerns over the administration of football in the country.

The federation has also faced intense criticism following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The simultaneous failure of Nigeria’s senior men’s and women’s national teams to qualify for their respective World Cups has been described as an unprecedented setback for Nigerian football.

However, the allegations involving the DSS and NIA remain claims attributed to unnamed security sources, and the NFF officials reportedly under investigation have not, in the information provided, been publicly identified or formally accused by either intelligence agency.