FIFA, CAF Complete Assessment of NFF Crisis, Weigh Reform Options
FIFA, CAF Complete Assessment of NFF Crisis, Weigh Reform Options
The joint FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) assessment of the crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded in Abuja, following two days of consultations with key stakeholders in Nigerian football.
The mission, which began on Monday, focused on the legal, governance, administrative and electoral issues arising from recent developments within the NFF. The delegation met officials of the National Sports Commission, NFF representatives and various groups within the football community.
The FIFA-CAF team included FIFA Member Association Governance Services team lead Ahmed Harraz, FIFA Head of Member Association Governance Rolf Tanner, FIFA Regional Office for West Africa lead El Hadj Wack Diop and CAF Legal Manager Nnaemeka Olu. Stakeholders consulted during the exercise included former NFF officials, state football associations, league bodies, players, coaches, referees, club owners, ex-internationals and representatives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.
The assessment followed the August 27 resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee. The resignations came after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
FIFA and CAF had earlier directed the NFF to suspend its electoral process pending the assessment. The two bodies are expected to consider the views gathered from stakeholders before determining the next steps on the proposed reforms and the future administration of Nigerian football.
