Ibrahim Gusau’s resignation has reopened the race for control of Nigerian football just weeks before the Nigeria Football Federation’s next elective congress, with one of his former presidential opponents insisting that the vacant position should come to him, Footynaija.com reports.
The NFF has been under growing pressure in recent months after both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons failed to reach their respective World Cups. Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup was followed by the federation’s decision to set up a fact-finding committee to examine the problems around the Falcons’ campaign and wider national-team football.
Gusau’s four-year tenure has also come under scrutiny over the state of Nigerian football. His administration had been preparing for a fresh election scheduled for September 27, but the situation changed when he confirmed his resignation at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
"I can confirm to you that I have decided to resign from my position as NFF President..I also advised my board members that follow me, to also resign."
Gusau was elected NFF president in September 2022 after defeating Peterside Idah in a run-off at the federation’s 78th elective congress in Benin City. Idah has now returned with a claim that his position in that election puts him next in line.
Idah demands NFF presidency after Gusau exit
Speaking exclusively to Brila Media, Idah said he should now be handed the NFF presidency following Gusau’s resignation.
“They should hand over the thing to me now. I’m the second in line. I contested as number two. They should hand over to me. I should be the authentic president now of the NFF,” the former Super Eagles goalkeeper said.
Idah did indeed finish second to Gusau in the 2022 run-off, although the voting figures showed a huge gap between the two candidates. Gusau secured 39 votes while Idah received one.
The path to that run-off was also unusual. Gusau led the first round with 21 votes but needed 22 to win outright. Seyi Akinwunmi, Shehu Dikko and Abba Yola later withdrew, while Idah refused to step aside and remained on the ballot. Gusau eventually won the second round by 39 votes to one.
Idah had declared after that election that he would return for the presidency, saying at the time that he would be NFF president in the future.
Gusau’s resignation has now brought that old contest back into the conversation, although the NFF’s next leadership will still have to be determined through the federation’s governing and electoral process.
For Idah, however, the vacancy created by Gusau’s departure should lead directly to him taking charge of Nigerian football.
