Head of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, Prince Harrison Jalla, has strongly refuted recent statements by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, describing his comments on FIFA Forward Funds as “misleading and inaccurate.”
Dikko had earlier stated in a television interview that no FIFA Forward funds were collected by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). However, Jalla argued that this claim does not reflect the true financial situation within Nigerian football, insisting that the NFF directly controls and manages the funds.
“As of 25th October 2020, a transfer of USD 262,116.28 was made to the First Bank account of the contractor handling the Ugborodo project,” Jalla revealed, citing transaction number S47547746. “Another payment of USD 306,045.52 was made on 7th May 2021. These are the only payments received by the contractor so far.”
Jalla, who hails maternally from Ugborodo, expressed concern over the project’s stalled progress, noting that materials meant for completion are deteriorating. He urged Dikko to stop defending the NFF, alleging widespread corruption within the football body.
“Nigerians know that the NFF is corruption personified,” he declared. “Instead of defending the NFF, Dikko should focus on his duties as NSC chairman and urgently constitute the NSC board.”
The PFAN Task Force chairman maintained that the NFF’s involvement in the disbursement of FIFA Forward Funds is indisputable, urging Dikko to review contractual agreements related to the Kebbi and Ugborodo projects.
He also questioned a clause in the contracts that earmarked $200,000 for tax purposes, asking, “Where in the world are FIFA funds taxable?”
Jalla concluded by demanding transparency and accountability from football authorities. “Where is the balance of the money required to complete the Ugborodo project?” he asked.
His remarks underscore growing public scrutiny over financial management within the NFF and renewed calls for openness and reform in Nigerian football administration.
