The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to clear the air over an alleged letter from FIFA as Nigeria’s football authorities continue to deal with the leadership changes and calls for reform that followed the resignation of Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his executive committee, Footynaija.com reports.
Gusau stepped down as NFF president last week, bringing his tenure to an early end just weeks before it was due to expire in September. His resignation came after a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time.
The Super Falcons also suffered a major setback after failing to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, ending Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the competition since its first tournament in 1991.
The changes have since extended beyond the former NFF president. Emmanuel Ikpeme was appointed interim general secretary, while Ademola Olajire took up the role of interim deputy general secretary as the federation works through the transition.
🚨🇳🇬 NFF appoints Emmanuel Ikpeme as acting General Secretary
Ikpeme replaces Mohammed Sanusi following his resignation and will assume office on August 28.
President Bola Tinubu has also called for reforms in Nigerian football following what he described as “repeated failures”, adding to the pressure on the authorities to address issues around the running and development of the sport.
The latest development came as senior Nigerian football officials met FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Zurich on Tuesday.
NFF dismisses alleged FIFA letter
The NFF has now rejected reports that FIFA demanded an explanation over alleged government interference in the federation’s affairs.
The federation said a letter circulating in sections of the media and said to have come from FIFA was fake.
“The NFF has debunked news of a ‘letter’ circulating in sections of the media as being from world football governing body, FIFA. It is totally fake. FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the federation said in a statement posted on its X account.
@thenff has debunked news of a “letter” circulating in sections of the media as being from world-football governing body, FIFA.
It is totally fake.
FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco (1) pic.twitter.com/DZWCunrlBK
The denial came on the same day a Nigerian delegation met Infantino in Switzerland, with National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko and director-general Bukola Olopade leading the delegation. Former NFF president and ex-FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick was also present.
The meeting reportedly focused on the restructuring of Nigerian football, the recent changes at the NFF and the steps needed to move the sport forward.
