NFF debunks ‘fake’ FIFA letter as Dikko-led delegation meets Infantino

NFF debunks ‘fake’ FIFA letter as Dikko-led delegation meets Infantino

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported FIFA letter seeking clarification over alleged government interference in the affairs of the federation.

The NFF made the clarification on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as a high-level Nigerian delegation met FIFA President Gianni Infantino at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, amid ongoing efforts to reform the administration of Nigerian football.

In a statement, the NFF said the document circulating in sections of the media did not originate from the world football governing body.

“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.

The NFF’s statement effectively rejected reports suggesting that FIFA had formally demanded an explanation from Nigeria over the circumstances surrounding the recent changes in the federation’s leadership.

The clarification came as officials from Nigeria held talks with Infantino and other senior FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) representatives on the ongoing restructuring of Nigerian football.

The Nigerian delegation was led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko and included NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade and NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme.

Former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick also attended the meeting. The engagement included discussions on the proposed reform process and the need to establish a stable and effective framework for the future administration of Nigerian football.

The meeting followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee on August 27.

READ ALSO:

• US Teen Indicted for Aiding and Abetting Deadly San Diego Mosque Shooting
• Police Arrest Two Men Over Alleged Defilement of 9-Year-Old in Ogun
• Ilorin Youth Group Demands Disbandment of Iru-Ekun Over Alleged Obstruction of Tani-Olohun’s Arrest

The mass resignations came amid growing concerns over the administration and performance of Nigerian football, with the country facing significant setbacks involving its senior men’s and women’s national teams.

Following the resignations, the NFF appointed Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary and Ademola Olajire as interim Deputy General Secretary to oversee the federation’s administrative activities during the transition.

The NFF also suspended preparations for its planned September 27 elective congress as consultations over the proposed restructuring continue.

The leadership crisis followed calls by President Bola Tinubu for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football after a series of disappointing results and concerns over the governance of the sport.

Tinubu directed the National Sports Commission to work with football stakeholders to develop reforms covering areas including football governance, administration, stakeholder representation, player development, domestic competitions and accountability.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has further intensified criticism of the country’s football administration. The Super Falcons have also faced a major setback after failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Against this backdrop, the Federal Government has sought greater cooperation among the country’s football authorities and international governing bodies to develop a sustainable framework for reform.

The purported FIFA letter, which circulated online and in sections of the Nigerian media, reportedly raised questions over Gusau’s resignation and alleged government involvement in the leadership changes.

The document was also said to have warned that interference in the independence of a national football association could amount to a breach of FIFA regulations, potentially exposing Nigeria to sanctions.

However, the NFF has firmly rejected the document, insisting that it was fabricated and did not come from FIFA.

The federation further stated that FIFA had already accepted the resignations of the former NFF principal officers and Executive Committee members.

Rather than a confrontation between FIFA and the Nigerian authorities, the latest engagement in Zurich indicates that discussions are ongoing between FIFA, CAF, the NSC and the NFF administration on how to implement the proposed reforms.

The NFF said the objective of the discussions is to develop a comprehensive reform roadmap that complies with the statutes and regulations of FIFA and CAF while addressing the challenges facing Nigerian football.

The outcome of the engagement is expected to influence the structure and timing of the next NFF leadership election, as well as broader changes to the administration of football in the country.

With the reform process now involving direct engagement with FIFA and CAF, attention will be focused on whether the stakeholders can reach an agreement that provides stability, strengthens football governance and improves the development and performance of Nigeria’s national teams.

The latest development also puts the focus on the need for a transparent transition that protects the independence of football administration while ensuring that Nigerian football receives the institutional reforms required to compete effectively at continental and global levels.

NFF debunks ‘fake’ FIFA letter as Dikko-led delegation meets Infantino