The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched a joint investigation into senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over allegations of compromising national security.

According to security insiders, federal intelligence agencies intercepted highly concerning communications between unnamed NFF executive members and foreign operatives. Security personnel indicated that the findings pose serious national security risks, elevating the inquiry beyond routine financial scrutiny into an active investigation of external and internal threats to national interest.

While separate inquiries managed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have focused on the handling of a ₦17 billion federal intervention fund allocated to clear players’ outstanding bonuses and allowances, officials clarified that the joint DSS-NIA probe specifically targets intelligence and national security concerns.

This security investigation coincides with growing scrutiny of the current NFF board, led by Ibrahim Gusau. Public dissatisfaction has intensified following high-profile setbacks for Nigeria’s national teams, including the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups and the Super Falcons failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The mounting pressures and expanding probes have triggered widespread resignations across the federation’s executive board, raising questions regarding the NFF’s upcoming elections scheduled for late September in Lafia, Nasarawa State.