FIFA, CAF kick off NFF investigation, suspend presidential election

FIFA and the CAF have stepped into the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ordering the suspension of the federation’s ongoing electoral process as they begin a joint assessment, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said FIFA and CAF were reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the developments within the federation.

The intervention comes less than two weeks after NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee resigned from their positions.

Gusau confirmed his resignation at a press conference in Abuja after mounting criticism over the performances of Nigeria’s national teams.

Claude Klidje of Togo and former NFF President Ibrahim Musa. Copyright: ImagoxDagaShotz

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The Super Eagles had failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African play-off final, while the Super Falcons subsequently missed out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup after losing their qualification play-off to South Africa, a feat that had never happened before.

The resignations came just one month before the NFF’s planned Elective Congress, which had been scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The NFF subsequently announced that all processes leading to the congress had been suspended and that a fresh electoral process would begin after comprehensive reforms in consultation with FIFA and CAF.

Super Falcons of Nigeria. Copyright: xShengolpixsx

FIFA and CAF demand electoral process remains suspended

FIFA and CAF have now formally requested that the electoral process remain suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken until their assessment is completed.

The two governing bodies said the decision was necessary to preserve the status quo while they examine the circumstances surrounding the leadership crisis and engage with the relevant stakeholders.

Importantly, FIFA stressed that no conclusion has been reached on the situation and has not determined what action, if any, will follow the assessment.

FIFA and CAF also asked Ikpeme to serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.

The letter followed a September 1 meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria. FIFA said the meeting was part of efforts to understand the developments within the federation.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino poses for photos with FIFA World Cup trophy. Photo by /XinhuaxImago

FIFA, CAF to visit Abuja

The next major step will be a joint FIFA and CAF assessment mission to Abuja.

According to the letter, the mission will meet with representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation’s electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission.

The purpose will be to gather information and obtain the views of the various stakeholders before FIFA and CAF determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making bodies.

FIFA specifically warned that no assumptions should be made about the eventual outcome of the process. This means reports of an imminent FIFA ban or the immediate establishment of a normalisation committee would be premature.

Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football CAF. Copyright: ImagoxJOERANxSTEINSIEKx

What triggered the NFF crisis?

Gusau’s resignation followed months of mounting pressure on the NFF after a series of setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams.

The Super Eagles’ failure to reach the 2026 World Cup was followed by the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, ending Nigeria’s participation in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991. Nigeria’s youth teams also suffered qualification setbacks.

Financial concerns have added another layer to the crisis, with the EFCC and ICPC investigating the utilisation of a ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the NFF for players’ wages, bonuses and allowances.

Team photo of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Copyright: ImagoxLuisxLoureirox

The Federal Government subsequently pushed for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, while Emmanuel Ikpeme was endorsed by the National Sports Commission to oversee the NFF Secretariat following the mass resignations.

For now, FIFA and CAF have made it clear that they want to understand the full circumstances before deciding Nigeria’s next administrative step, and the future leadership structure of Nigerian football is now dependent on the outcome of the joint assessment.