The Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) has condemned recent attacks on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by what it described as “a band of alarmists and self-serving critics,” insisting that such reckless comments are designed to destabilize Nigerian football at a time when unity and focus are most needed.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the National President of CSNGG, Barr. Adefila Kamal, dismissed allegations recently made by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and others questioning the management of FIFA and CAF funds by the NFF.

Barr. Adefila queried, “At what point did Peter Obi or any of these alarmists approach the NFF to seek clarification or to get the real state of affairs of these stadia and projects before going public? Accountability begins with engagement, not speculation.”

He emphasized that the NFF remains one of the few Nigerian institutions that is subjected to rigorous and independent financial auditing by world football governing bodies. “CAF and FIFA are world-class organizations with some of the most stringent auditing standards anywhere in the world. The NFF has, year after year, passed these audits and received a clean bill of health. It is therefore mischievous for anyone to question its financial integrity without facts,” he said.

The CSNGG president noted that FIFA and CAF development grants are project-based, tied to specific deliverables, and subject to detailed scrutiny. He maintained that those insinuating misuse of funds were either ignorant of the process or intentionally spreading falsehood to undermine the Federation.

Adefila stated, “If the NFF can satisfy FIFA and CAF’s global compliance standards, why then do we continue to believe unverified social media posts and sensational headlines? These narratives are being pushed by individuals who have lost relevance in the football ecosystem and are now attempting to drag everyone down with them.”

He further warned that such falsehoods are capable of distracting the NFF at a time when Nigeria is working hard to qualify for major international tournaments. “We saw this same tactic ahead of the 2022 World Cup, when needless distractions disrupted preparations. We must not allow a repeat. We also saw the same at the last African Cup of Nations, AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire where the Super Eagles almost won the trophy for the third term,” he cautioned.

Adefila described football as not just a sport but an economic growth driver and a tool for national unity, stressing that the attacks on the NFF were tantamount to attacking Nigeria’s youth development and image-building efforts.

“These acts of self-sabotage are precisely why Nigeria struggles to rise to its full potential. Rather than working together, some prefer to tear down the structures others are trying to build. This culture of internal sabotage must stop,” he declared.

He reaffirmed CSNGG’s commitment to working with the NFF to enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement. According to him, the organization plans to convene civil society dialogues and public briefings where verified information about football development projects can be shared with Nigerians.

“We want Nigerians to see the progress for themselves — how FIFA funds are utilized, how grassroots development is being strengthened, and how our national teams are being rebuilt for success,” he explained.

Barr. Adefila also called on those making unsubstantiated allegations to use proper channels for clarification. “Former Governor Obi and others who have genuine concerns should engage the Federation directly. The NFF is open to scrutiny, but we must not allow misinformation to become a weapon against our progress,” he said.

He urged all stakeholders including the media, civil society, student bodies, and football enthusiasts to rally behind the NFF and support ongoing reforms.

“Nigerian football is at a crossroads. We can either allow it to be dragged down by internal distractions or we stand together and help it grow. The NFF under President Ibrahim Gusau has made notable progress in stabilizing administration, improving accountability, and building competitive teams. What it needs now is support, not sabotage,” Adefila said.

The CSNGG president concluded by reaffirming the group’s faith in Nigerian football’s potential and its readiness to defend institutions working in the public interest.

“We will continue to speak truth to power, but we will also defend those doing the right thing. The NFF is building, FIFA and CAF have confirmed its transparency, and Nigerians must now rally round their football institutions. Football is a business for serious people, not a playground for spoilers,” he concluded.