Samson Siasia wants money to start preparation for the national team

By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wants the ban imposed on its bank accounts to be lifted.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze the NFF's accounts in the wake of corruption allegations levelled ex-NFF officials.

Ex-NFF boss Sani Lulu and other officials were questioned about how the $8m budget for the World Cup was spent.

But the new NFF leaders have reached out to for the ban to be lifted to help in the running of the game.

"We have reached out to the unit to have the accounts released and so far everything is very positive," NFF president Aminu Maigari told BBC Sport on Wednesday.

"Hopefully when these accounts are released it will help redirect the financial position of the federation.

"It is a gradual process before we will be able to operate these accounts."

With the NFF facing a dire financial demands next year succour from the agency would come in handy.

A spokesman for the anti-corruption agency, Femi Babafemi, said the new leadership of the NFF has taken a positive step but few things need to be clarified.

"The accounts were frozen following a court order, so due process must be respected and followed." Mr Babafemi told the BBC.

"It is highly expected for the new leadership to seek release of the account but a court order to that effect will suffice.

Meanwhile, the new coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia has exonerated himself from accusations that local coaches take bribes before inviting players to the national team.

There is widespread suspicion that national team coaches take bribes even though no one has been found guilty of the accusation.

The NFF is now taking stern measures to curb any such malpractices by getting coaches to sign a 'code of ethics'.

The federation stated in the code of ethics that Siasia will be fined $3m if his players pay bribes to play in the national team.

The former international striker has rejected the accusation but insists he can't defend other coaches.

"I don't collect bribe but I can't say of other coaches, I only know about myself." Siasia said.

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