In a firm rebuttal to recent statements made by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Prince Harrison Jalla, the head of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) task force, has described assertions regarding the FIFA Forward Funds as “misleading.”
In a television interview, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko claimed that no FIFA Forward funds had been collected. However, Jalla insists that the statement fails to reflect the reality of the situation surrounding the finances involved in Nigerian football.
As a vital stakeholder in the industry, Jalla provided specific details regarding the FIFA Forward Funds, which he states are deposited directly into the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Central Bank account, asserting that the NFF is firmly in control of these funds.
“On 25th October 2020, a transfer of USD 262,116.28 was made to the First Bank account of the contractor managing the Ugborodo project,” Jalla noted, referencing transaction number S47547746. “Additionally, on 7th May 2021, a further sum of USD 306,045.52 was transferred. These amounts represent the only payments received by the contractor to date.”
Jalla expressed concern over the progress of the Ugborodo project, which is located in his maternal hometown, highlighting that materials intended for completion are now deteriorating. He urged Dikko to abandon any defence of the NFF, citing widespread public awareness of alleged corruption within the federation.
“Nigerians know that the NFF is corruption personified,” Jalla stated. “Instead of defending the NFF, Dikko must concentrate on fulfilling his responsibilities as Chairman of the NSC and urgently establish the NSC Board.”
The task force chairman further emphasised that the NFF’s involvement in the disbursement of FIFA Forward Funds is undeniable and urged Dikko to review the contractual agreements between the NFF and the contractors managing both the Kebbi and Ugborodo projects.
Jalla pointed out an unusual clause in the contracts, which notes that a sum of $200,000 has been earmarked for tax purposes, questioning, “Where in the world are FIFA funds taxable?”
He concluded by pressing for accountability, asking, “Where is the balance of the money required to complete the Ugborodo project?”
Jalla’s vigorous response highlights the ongoing scrutiny of financial management within Nigerian football, calling for transparency and resolution to ensure the project’s completion rather than deflection of responsibility.
