The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have reportedly commenced investigations into allegations that some senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are collaborating with foreign interests in ways that could undermine Nigeria’s national security.
A security source disclosed that the two intelligence agencies intercepted what was described as “highly disturbing” communications between some NFF officials and foreign nationals.
According to the source, the communications raised concerns over activities that could potentially create security challenges for the country.
The source, however, clarified that the investigation is separate from allegations surrounding the management of the N17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to 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,” the source said.
The source explained that the DSS is primarily responsible for addressing domestic threats to national security, while the NIA focuses on external intelligence and 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,” the source added.
The allegations come amid growing scrutiny of the NFF over the performance and funding of Nigeria’s national football teams.
Football supporters have increasingly criticised the federation over what they describe as inadequate funding and poor administration, with the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments and the Super Falcons suffering a historic setback in their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, ending their title defence and denying them automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Nigeria subsequently entered the qualification playoff route but suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, ending the country’s record of appearing at every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
The development has intensified pressure on the NFF executive committee led by Ibrahim Gusau, with calls mounting for the leadership to resign over the recent setbacks.
The federation has also been hit by the resignation or reported consideration of resignation by more than half of its executive committee members.
A source suggested that the reported intelligence investigation could further complicate preparations for the NFF election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
“That at least half of NFF executives 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 source said.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and no formal statement has been issued by the DSS, NIA or NFF confirming the reported probe or detailing the identities of the officials allegedly involved.
