Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has told the Super Eagles to keep the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation away from their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Footynaija reports.
The NFF has been without its elected president since Ibrahim Gusau resigned on August 27. General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and several Executive Committee members also left their positions on the same day. The resignations came after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The federation then suspended preparations for its September 27 election in Lafia, Nasarawa State. FIFA and CAF have since reviewed the crisis and are assessing its legal, administrative, governance and electoral effects. The international bodies have yet to decide the next step.
Related Post
Adepoju, who played for Real Madrid between 1996 and 1998, said the Super Eagles must not allow the situation in the boardroom to affect their work on the pitch.
“The players did not create the crisis and they should not carry it on their heads,” Adepoju said as per the New Telegraph.
“Their responsibility is to play football, represent Nigeria well and win the matches. Whatever is happening administratively should be handled by the people responsible for football administration.”
Nigeria open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Madagascar game will take place in Nigeria, while the Guinea-Bissau fixture is scheduled in Morocco. The Super Eagles need a strong start as they begin their attempt to return to the continental tournament after missing the 2026 World Cup.
Madagascar also arrive with confidence after reaching the final of the 2025 African Nations Championship. Coach Corentin Martins has selected a 25-man squad for the qualifiers.
