Tinubu's N12bn 2025 Nations Cup intervention to NFF causing ripples at National Assembly

Tinubu's N12bn 2025 Nations Cup intervention to NFF causing ripples at National Assembly

By Mike Ndidi, Abuja 

The National Assembly is in a state of confusion over alleged discrepancies in the disbursement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's N12bn intervention fund to the Nigeria Football Federation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

A member of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, who prefers to remain anonymous, has  alleged discrepancies at how the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disbursed the whopping N12 billion intervention funds for the Super Eagles after the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations in Cote d' Ivoire, for  payment of outstanding bonuses and allowances. 

The legislator revealed that the National Assembly received petitions on the NFF every day, while accusing the federation of allegedly misapplication of fund and diverting the money for other purposes. 

According to the Honourable member, the claim by the football house that it used  huge part  of the money in settling  accommodations is unacceptable, arguing that the federation will need to explain how they disbursed the said amount. 

But a board member of the NFF, who also pleaded anonymity, as he wasn't authorised to speak on the issue, dismissed the allegation, stating that it was some National Assemblymen  that overstayed (30 days) in Cote d' Ivoire that stretched the budget.

"We have appeared before the Sports Committee on this matter, and we have provided how this money was spent. All this noise is because of the forthcoming NFF election,"  he said.

The NFF board member further spilled the beans when he disclosed to www.sportsunlimited.ng that the controversial FIFA Forward 0.2 Goal Project, which has faced with so much criticisms is being handled by a contractor  from Lagos State. "So, what's the agitation for?" he queried.

 It will be recalled that the NFF is yet to settle the Flying Eagles AFCON and 2023 World Cup bonuses in Argentina and allowances including that of the U-17 National football team.