The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its investigation into the utilisation of the ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will continue despite the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and other members of the federation’s leadership.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development while responding to inquiries about the status of the investigation.

“Investigation is ongoing on the matter,” Oyewale said, stressing that the resignation of NFF officials would not affect the commission’s work.

Gusau resigned as NFF president on August 27, alongside General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the federation’s executive committee, amid mounting pressure over the state of Nigerian football and the recent failures of the national teams.

The investigation centres on the utilisation of a ₦12 billion intervention fund approved by the Federal Government in 2024 to clear outstanding wages, allowances and bonuses owed to players and officials of Nigeria’s national teams.

The EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were reported to have opened investigations into the management of the funds.

The development became public after the NFF declined a Freedom of Information request seeking financial records and utilisation documents relating to the intervention fund. In a letter dated August 18, the federation said the requested records were already with the EFCC and ICPC as part of their ongoing investigations.

A source familiar with the investigation also told Punch that some officials linked to the fund had been invited by investigators and had provided statements, although the agencies have not publicly announced any findings of financial misconduct.

The EFCC’s confirmation that the investigation remains active does not, by itself, establish that Gusau or any other NFF official committed a crime.

The commission has not announced a finding of wrongdoing against any individual in connection with the ₦12 billion fund, and the ongoing probe should therefore not be interpreted as a conviction or determination of guilt.

EFCC officials have also indicated that the agency does not want the matter to become a media trial, stressing that investigators will continue their work.

Gusau’s resignation comes at a difficult period for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons recently failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time in the history of the competition.

The NFF leadership has faced increasing scrutiny over the performance and administration of the country’s national teams, adding to pressure for changes within the federation.

Despite the leadership change, the EFCC has made clear that the investigation into the ₦12 billion intervention fund remains separate from the political and administrative developments at the NFF.

The outcome of the investigation will ultimately determine whether any individual or organisation should face further legal action over the management of the funds.