The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are investigating allegations that some top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are working with foreign interests to undermine Nigeria’s national security, according to a security source.

The source said the two intelligence agencies had intercepted what was described as “highly disturbing” communications between some NFF officials and foreign nationals, which were considered capable of creating security challenges for the country.

Asked whether the investigation was linked to the N17 billion Federal Government intervention fund approved for the NFF in 2024 to clear outstanding salaries, allowances and bonuses owed to national team players and officials, the source said the probe went beyond financial matters.

The source said financial impropriety relating to the fund would fall within the purview of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), rather than the DSS or NIA.

“It is true that President Bola Tinubu in 2024 approved N17 billion as a special intervention fund to help the NFF clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams. However, that falls within the purview of the EFCC, not the DSS and NIA,” the source said.

The source added that the DSS was responsible for dealing with domestic threats to national security, while the NIA handles external intelligence matters.

“So, when you hear that the DSS and NIA are jointly investigating a matter, it has got to be very serious, especially when the persons involved are saddled with the responsibility of managing an important body like the NFF,” the source said.

The probe comes amid growing criticism of the administration of Nigerian football, following a series of setbacks involving the country’s national teams.

The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ending their title defence and ruling them out of automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria subsequently faced South Africa in a World Cup qualification playoff, where the Banyana Banyana defeated the Super Falcons 2-1 on August 13, ending Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament.

The defeat marked the first time Nigeria’s women’s team failed to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.

The NFF executive committee, headed by Ibrahim Gusau, is also facing pressure to resign amid criticism over the performance and administration of the federation. Eight of the 13 members of the NFF board have reportedly resigned or are considering their positions, according to the source.

The development has also raised questions over the possibility of holding the NFF board election scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The source said the reported resignations could be linked to concerns surrounding the DSS and NIA investigation, although the claim could not be independently verified.