FIFA, CAF Assess NFF Crisis as Normalisation Option Gains Support
FIFA and CAF are currently assessing Nigeria's football crisis, where stakeholders hold opposing views on resolving the NFF's leadership vacuum. While state FA chairmen advocate for existing structures, other groups support a FIFA-backed normalisation committee, a mechanism frequently used in exceptional circumstances. The final decision, yet to be announced, will determine the future governance of Nigerian football.
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are assessing the governance crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the August 27 resignations of President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee.
The development disrupted the federation’s planned electoral process, with the NFF subsequently suspending preparations for the September 27 elective congress and appointing Emmanuel Ikpeme to oversee the secretariat on an interim basis. FIFA and CAF have been examining the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the leadership changes before determining the next steps.
During consultations in Abuja, stakeholders reportedly presented different views on how the leadership vacuum should be resolved, with state Football Association chairmen maintaining that the NFF’s existing structures can handle the situation. Yakubu Sarma, Gombe State FA chairman and leader of the state FA delegation, argued that Nigerian football was still functioning, pointing to ongoing domestic leagues, continental club competitions, women’s football and the operation of the NFF secretariat.
Other stakeholder groups, including players’ representatives, coaches, referees, SWAN and former NFF officials, have reportedly supported a normalisation process as a possible route to stabilising the federation and creating a framework for fresh elections.
The debate comes as FIFA has suspended the NFF electoral process while its assessment continues, rather than formally announcing a normalisation committee. The NFF has said its comprehensive reforms will be pursued in consultation with FIFA, CAF, the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders, while FIFA has said it is examining the circumstances surrounding the resignations and has yet to determine the federation’s future structure.