FIFA and CAF are preparing to send a joint mission to Abuja to examine the crisis at the Nigeria Football Federation, with the international football bodies putting the NFF electoral process on hold while they assess the leadership changes, the proposed reforms and the different positions emerging from Nigerian football, Footynaija.com reports.
The move follows the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee on August 27, bringing an early end to the leadership structure that had been in place since 2022.
Emmanuel Ikpeme, who was the Deputy General Secretary, was then appointed to oversee the NFF Secretariat as interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire took over as interim Deputy General Secretary.
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The changes came after a difficult year for Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African play-off final, while the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup after losing their play-off to South Africa. The results increased pressure on the NFF leadership and led to wider calls for changes in the running of Nigerian football.
The NFF had already suspended preparations for its September 27 elective congress in Lafia following the resignations. The federation said a fresh electoral process would begin after comprehensive reforms carried out with FIFA and CAF, while the Federal Government also called for changes across the administration of the game.
FIFA and CAF to assess the situation themselves
There was then a meeting at FIFA House in Zurich on September 1 involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the National Sports Commission, with discussions centred on the future direction of Nigerian football.
The NFF later said FIFA had accepted the resignations and that work was continuing on a reform roadmap. But FIFA’s latest communication has added an important layer to that process.
In a letter dated September 7 and signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA and CAF said they were still assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral issues arising from the crisis. They stressed that they had not reached any conclusions and had made no decision on what should happen next.
The two bodies have now asked that the NFF electoral process remain suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken until their assessment is complete.
The planned Abuja mission will allow FIFA and CAF to hear directly from the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation’s electoral bodies and Federal Government representatives, including the National Sports Commission. Ikpeme has also been asked to serve as the main contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF during the process.
