Sports
FA Chairman berates longstanding misuse of FIFA fun
Former Gombe State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Gara Gombe, has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its supervising sports body of decades-long financial mismanagement, calling for a comprehensive probe into FIFA and CAF funds received by Nigeria since 1986.
Speaking recently on the Channels Television’s flagship current affairs programme, Sunrise Daily, Gara reacted to the House of Representatives’ decision to launch a special audit into the alleged mismanagement of $25 million received by the NFF from FIFA and CAF between 2015 and 2025.
“I thank the Federal House of Representatives for waking up from their slumber,” Gara said. “This matter of accountability, not only in the NFF but generally in sports, has been a recurrent issue. Many of us have been shouting for over 25 years calling for accountability.”
He argued that the proposed period of investigation — 2015 to 2025 — is insufficient, urging lawmakers to extend the probe as far back as 1986.It is not far enough. They should go back from 1986 to date,” Gara insisted. “We have been saying that these FIFA funds need to be accounted for.”
Gara recalled a past incident in which FIFA’s audit revealed that over $800,000 was unaccounted for by the NFF. According to him, officials had withdrawn the funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria, exchanged them at the black market for a higher naira value, and failed to account for the proceeds.
“FIFA said in their report that they cannot account for where the money went. Less than three weeks later, the wife of a serving minister died, and the NFF donated ?25 million to her burial committee,” Gara alleged.
He described corruption in Nigerian sports administration as deep-rooted and widespread, implicating not only football administrators but also government officials and lawmakers.
“It is a complete chain of conspiracy — in the National Assembly, the Presidency, the Ministry of Sports, and the NFF,” he said. “We have former federation presidents who have built factories and mansions, yet no one is asking where the money came from.”
Gara stressed that the NFF has “a case to answer,” adding that other sports federations and the Nigerian Olympic Committee should also be investigated.
“It’s not only about football. All 28 to 30 federations, including the Olympic Committee, receive subventions from both local and international bodies. We must ask them to account for every naira and dollar.”
When asked about solutions to curb corruption in sports, Gara advocated for a gradual withdrawal of government funding and greater private sector participation.
“Funding sports should be a private sector affair. Because there is no accountability, the private sector has withdrawn. Someone collected ?3 billion from SuperSport to manage football and there is nothing to show. The person is walking freely — in fact, promoted,” he said.
He also called for regular publication of audited financial reports and stronger oversight from the National Assembly.
Gara further alleged that the current legislative probe might be politically motivated, describing it as a possible “witch hunt” against the present NFF leadership.
“If it is not a witch hunt, why have they not spoken all this while, only now? Most of the funds in question came during Amaju Pinnick’s tenure, and he is walking freely,” he argued.
Despite his scepticism, Gara declared his full support for the House of Representatives’ investigation as long as it aims to ensure accountability and not target individuals unfairly.
“They have my full backing, but if it is just to witch-hunt somebody, I will not support it,” he said.
Gara Gombe, a long-time sports reform advocate, is a former Secretary of the Nigeria Football Stakeholders’ Forum and remains a vocal critic of corruption in Nigerian sports administration.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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