Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has resigned from his position amid growing criticism of the country’s football administration.
Gusau announced his decision at a press conference at the NFF Glass House in Abuja on Thursday, shortly before the end of his tenure.
“I can confirm to you that I have decided to resign from my position as NFF President. I also advised my board members to follow me and also resign,” he said.
His resignation comes as the NFF faces scrutiny over its handling of an £8.5m ($11m) Federal Government intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024.
The money was intended to settle outstanding wages and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.
Gusau’s departure follows a difficult period for Nigerian football, with both the men’s and women’s senior teams suffering major setbacks in World Cup qualification.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 men’s World Cup, while the Super Falcons’ record of appearing at every Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991 also came to an end.
Nigeria’s women’s side missed out on automatic qualification before eventually being eliminated in the playoffs.
Gusau was elected NFF president at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress in September 2022.
His resignation comes just weeks before the NFF’s next elections, which are scheduled to take place on 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Explaining his decision, Gusau said he wanted to give other Nigerians the opportunity to contribute to the development of football in the country.
He also defended his record, saying that despite the national teams’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cups, he was leaving the federation in a stronger position than when he took over.
Gusau said he had advised members of his board to resign with him, although he added that he was not aware of any board member who had followed his lead.
The NFF has yet to announce arrangements for an interim leadership following Gusau’s resignation.
