FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process while they assess the latest developments within the country’s football administration.
In a letter dated 7 September 2026 and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, the two governing bodies said they were examining the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the situation at the federation.
The intervention follows a period of turmoil at the NFF, including the resignations of president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, general secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee.
The developments come amid mounting concerns over Nigeria’s recent football performances.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed out on qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.
A number of Nigeria’s youth national teams have also failed to secure places at major continental and global tournaments.
FIFA and CAF referred to a meeting held at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich on 1 September involving representatives of the two organisations, the NFF administration and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
However, the governing bodies said no conclusions had yet been reached.
“FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,” the letter said.
FIFA and CAF have asked Ikpeme to act as the main point of contact between the NFF and the two governing bodies until further notice.
They have also instructed that the electoral process be suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken until their assessment is complete.
The request is intended to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF establish the facts and consult the relevant stakeholders.
The two bodies said they would send a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest opportunity.
The delegation is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation’s electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission.
The mission will seek to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments and determine whether any issues require further consideration under FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.
FIFA and CAF said the findings of the assessment could lead to recommendations or proposals being presented to their respective decision-making bodies.
They stressed, however, that the process remained open and that no assumptions should be made about what action might ultimately be taken.
The intervention puts Nigeria’s football administration under further scrutiny and effectively places the NFF’s electoral timetable on hold as FIFA and CAF examine the federation’s leadership and governance situation.
