FIFA, CAF suspend NFF election as Nigeria football reforms face fresh review

FIFA, CAF suspend NFF election as Nigeria football reforms face fresh review

The proposed Nigeria football reforms have taken a new turn after FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) clarified that they have not reached a final decision on the future structure and administration of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The development contradicts reports suggesting that FIFA had reached an agreement with the National Sports Commission (NSC) delegation led by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, on the proposed reforms.

In a September 7, 2026 communication addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said FIFA and CAF were still assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the developments within the NFF.

The football bodies said their assessment would involve a careful review of the facts surrounding the crisis, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions presented by the different stakeholders.

FIFA stressed that no conclusion had been reached at the time of the communication and that no decision had been taken on what action should follow.

The clarification means that the outcome of the proposed football reforms in Nigeria remains open, despite earlier indications that discussions between Nigerian officials and FIFA had produced an agreed roadmap.

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FIFA also directed that Emmanuel Ikpeme, whom it recognised as Deputy General Secretary rather than Acting General Secretary, should remain the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.

The directive places the NFF Secretariat at the centre of ongoing communication with the international football authorities as FIFA and CAF continue their assessment.

Another major development is the suspension of the NFF electoral process.

FIFA requested that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the electoral process until further notice. The international body said the measure was intended to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment and engage the relevant stakeholders.

The suspension does not, however, amount to a ruling on the validity of the decisions or positions taken by any of the parties involved in the dispute.

FIFA and CAF are also preparing to conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.

The delegation is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, members of the federation, the NFF electoral bodies and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including officials of the National Sports Commission.

The planned Abuja meetings are expected to give FIFA and CAF a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF and the different positions held by stakeholders.

The international football bodies will also examine whether any of the issues arising from the crisis require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF statutes and regulations.

Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF will determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective competent decision-making bodies.

Until that process is completed, FIFA has warned against making assumptions about the possible outcome or predicting what actions the two international football organisations may eventually take.

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The latest development follows a leadership crisis that has shaken the NFF in recent weeks.

Former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee resigned, resulting in interim arrangements at the football body.

The leadership changes came amid growing calls for significant reforms in the administration of Nigerian football.

The Nigerian government, through the NSC, has been engaging football stakeholders and international authorities on how to address concerns surrounding the management and development of the sport.

A Nigerian delegation led by Dikko and Olopade had earlier travelled to FIFA headquarters in Zurich for discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The meeting was seen as an important step towards resolving the NFF crisis and developing a framework for reforms. However, FIFA’s latest correspondence indicates that the international governing bodies are still assessing the situation and have not formally endorsed a final reform package.

The suspension of the electoral process also means that the proposed NFF elective congress cannot proceed until FIFA and CAF complete their assessment and provide further direction.

For Nigerian football stakeholders, the latest development could prolong uncertainty over the federation’s leadership and electoral timetable. It also means that any restructuring of the NFF will have to take into account the regulatory requirements of FIFA and CAF.

The joint assessment mission to Abuja is therefore expected to become a crucial stage in determining the direction of Nigerian football governance.

Until FIFA and CAF conclude their review, the proposed reforms remain subject to further consultations, while the NFF electoral process remains suspended.

The immediate priority is now for the international football bodies and Nigerian stakeholders to establish a mutually acceptable framework that addresses the governance concerns while ensuring that the country’s football administration remains consistent with FIFA regulations and the broader interests of Nigerian football.

FIFA, CAF suspend NFF election as Nigeria football reforms face fresh review