Nigerian Football Federation Pays ₦5million Into Personal Account For Two Airport Stickers For Top Officials

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has spent ₦5million on the procurement of VIP airport vehicle stickers for its top officials, according to payment records reviewed by SaharaReporters.

The payment, dated March 27, 2026, was made under the description: “Payment of request as cost of purchase of 2 VIP airport vehicles stickers for 2 NFF president, NFF general secretary and NFF pool official vehicles each for airport shuttle.”

The record indicates that the funds were paid into the personal account of Nasiru Jibril, identified as a deputy technical director at the federation.

This information was published on public payments portal, Govspend.

The expenditure has raised concerns amid growing calls for transparency and accountability within the country’s football administration, particularly regarding the handling of public and institutional funds.

The development comes as a coalition of football supporters under the banner “Reform Our Football” intensifies pressure on the NFF leadership, demanding sweeping reforms across governance, planning, and operational structures.

The group has called for a comprehensive review of the federation’s statutes, the introduction of a clear development roadmap for national teams, and the establishment of transparent processes in the recruitment of coaches.

In a statement signed by Leo Olagbaye and released with the hashtag #TimeIsNow, the coalition expressed frustration over what it described as systemic failures within the federation.

“We are at the tipping point. We are at the end of our tethers and we won’t be silent anymore,” the statement read.

The group alleged that Nigerian football is grappling with “maladministration, incompetence and corrupt leadership,” warning that the sport has “gradually collapsed” amid widespread public dissatisfaction.

It linked its concerns to recent performances by the Super Eagles, particularly their back-to-back failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, which it described as “unacceptable.”

The coalition also raised the alarm over the state of the Super Falcons, accusing the NFF of neglecting preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a crucial tournament that serves as a pathway to World Cup qualification.

“Treating the Super Falcons like second class citizens and refusing to prepare them for a tournament with the World Cup ticket at stake is the last straw for us,” the statement said.

According to the group, the Super Falcons — champions of the 2024 WAFCON — are still owed outstanding bonuses and allowances. It further alleged that international match windows for the women’s team are being “consistently wasted.”

“Additionally, the age grade teams (under 17 & 20 both male and female teams), officials inclusive are being owed backlog of allowances, while the NFF leadership feast and wine,” the statement added.

The coalition also lamented the decline of Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, noting that despite their record five FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, the team has struggled in recent years to advance beyond the West African Football Union (WAFU B) regional competitions.

It attributed the downturn to poor planning and inadequate support, holding the current NFF leadership accountable and stressing that the planned protests represent a critical moment in efforts to revive Nigerian football.

The controversy surrounding the ₦5 million payment for VIP airport vehicle stickers is likely to further intensify scrutiny of the federation’s financial practices, as stakeholders continue to demand reforms aimed at restoring credibility and performance in Nigerian football.  (SaharaReporters)