ABUJA, Nigeria — FIFA and the Confederation of African Football have ordered the Nigeria Football Federation to halt its leadership election process while the international governing bodies investigate a widening governance crisis following the resignation of the federation’s president and other senior officials. A joint FIFA-CAF mission is expected in Abuja to meet Nigerian football and government representatives before recommendations are made on the federation’s future leadership.
The directive, contained in a Sept. 7 letter signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov, freezes preparations for an elective congress that had been scheduled for Sept. 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. FIFA and CAF said they are examining the legal, administrative, governance and electoral consequences of recent developments and have not decided what further action, if any, will be taken.
FIFA and CAF said the electoral process should remain suspended while they gather information from the different sides involved. The letter said the measure was intended to “preserve the status quo” while the assessment continues. The planned mission is expected to meet NFF administrators, federation members, electoral officials and representatives of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission.
The intervention follows the Aug. 27 resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee. Gusau stepped down only weeks before the scheduled end of his four-year term, saying the move was intended to clear the way for broader institutional reform. “My resignation is intended to give way to a comprehensive and orderly reform process,” he said.
The departures came amid intense criticism of Nigerian football following disappointing performances by its national teams. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, ending an unbroken run of appearances in every edition of the women’s tournament since it began in 1991.
Following the resignations, Emmanuel Ikpeme was placed in charge of the NFF secretariat on an interim basis. The federation had already suspended its electoral preparations and announced temporary administrative changes affecting the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One while discussions continued over a broader reform program.
The Nigerian government has also called for reforms. President Bola Tinubu directed officials to pursue changes covering governance, administration, domestic competitions, accountability, development pathways and stakeholder representation. Nigerian officials subsequently met FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich on Sept. 1 as consultations involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF and the National Sports Commission intensified.
The dispute carries broader significance because FIFA requires its 211 member associations to manage their affairs independently and without undue third-party influence. Nigeria has faced similar tensions before. In 2018, FIFA threatened to suspend the NFF over what it described as undue influence before backing away after the federation’s recognized leadership regained control of its offices.
For now, FIFA and CAF have emphasized that the review remains open. No suspension of Nigeria from international football has been announced, and no decision has been made to install a FIFA-appointed normalization committee a temporary administration sometimes used to run a troubled national federation and organize fresh elections. FIFA and CAF said any recommendations would be considered only after the Abuja assessment is completed.
The outcome could shape not only the next NFF leadership but also Nigeria’s efforts to rebuild confidence in the administration of one of Africa’s most prominent football nations. Nigeria has won the men’s Africa Cup of Nations three times, while the Super Falcons have historically been one of the continent’s dominant women’s teams. With major continental competitions and qualification campaigns ahead, the stability of the federation will remain closely watched across African football.
