FIFA has delayed a decision on the future of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other Executive Committee members, with FIFA and CAF now preparing to visit Abuja to assess the unfolding crisis.
The world football governing body disclosed the development in a letter sent on Monday, September 7, 2026, to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, following consultations with Nigerian football officials and representatives of the Federal Government.
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FIFA said it was reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the mass resignations before deciding what action, if any, should follow.
The crisis began on August 27, when Gusau led the resignation of several senior NFF officials amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s disappointing performances across its national teams.
The pressure intensified following the failure of Nigeria’s senior men’s and women’s teams to qualify for their respective World Cups, adding to wider concerns about the administration of Nigerian football.
The resignations came only weeks before the NFF’s scheduled September 27 election, creating uncertainty over whether the existing electoral process could continue.
A Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko subsequently met FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other FIFA officials at the organisation’s headquarters in Zurich on September 1.
FIFA said the meeting provided an opportunity for the parties to discuss the circumstances surrounding the NFF, but stressed that no final position had been reached.
“We are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,” FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said in the letter.
FIFA added that its assessment required a review of the relevant facts, the NFF’s regulatory framework and the positions presented by the different stakeholders.
“At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,” the letter stated.
The position effectively leaves open the question of how the NFF will be administered following the resignations.
It also places the proposed establishment of a normalisation committee on hold while FIFA and CAF determine the appropriate course of action.
The September 27 NFF election has meanwhile been suspended.
FIFA said the suspension should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any position taken by the parties involved.
Instead, the international body said the pause was necessary to give FIFA and CAF time to complete their assessment and consult the relevant stakeholders.
Ikpeme, who was endorsed by the NSC as acting NFF General Secretary, was nevertheless addressed as Deputy General Secretary in FIFA’s correspondence.
FIFA also directed Ikpeme to remain the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.
The next significant development is expected to come from Abuja.
FIFA and CAF are planning a joint mission to Nigeria, where their representatives will meet officials of the NFF, members of the NFF Congress, the federation’s electoral bodies and representatives of the National Sports Commission.
The visit is expected to give the two football authorities a clearer understanding of the competing positions surrounding the NFF crisis and the circumstances that led to the mass resignations.
FIFA said the mission would also allow its officials to determine whether any issues required further consideration under FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.
Only after the assessment is completed will FIFA and CAF decide whether recommendations should be presented to their respective decision-making bodies.
The governing body has therefore cautioned against assuming that the current uncertainty will automatically result in a particular intervention.
“Until such time, the outcome of the assessment remains open, and no assumptions should be made as to any action that FIFA and CAF may or may not take,” FIFA said.
The cautious position is significant for Nigerian football, which now faces uncertainty over both its administrative leadership and electoral timetable.
For the moment, FIFA and CAF have chosen consultation and assessment over immediate intervention.
Their forthcoming visit to Abuja could prove decisive in determining whether Nigeria retains its existing electoral framework, adopts an interim administrative arrangement or takes another route to resolve the crisis.
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The outcome could shape the leadership and direction of Nigerian football well beyond the postponed September election.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
