The Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced an investigation into the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the management of the N17bn intervention fund released by the Federal Government to settle outstanding payments owed to national team players and officials.

The funds, approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, were intended to address accumulated wages, bonuses and other financial obligations involving Nigeria’s national teams.

A source familiar with the development said the DSS is examining financial records and documents relating to the disbursement and utilisation of the money.

The investigation is reportedly aimed at establishing how the funds were managed and whether they were applied for their intended purposes.

The probe comes at a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the country facing a series of disappointing results and administrative challenges.

The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for successive FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons recently suffered another major setback after losing to South Africa in the qualification playoff for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The crisis has also affected the NFF leadership, with reports that several members of the federation’s executive committee have resigned. Eight of the 13 board members are reportedly no longer in office, raising uncertainty over the federation’s planned September 27 election in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The ongoing investigation is expected to place further pressure on the NFF leadership as questions continue to surround the administration and finances of Nigerian football.