FIFA, CAF suspend NFF electoral process amid Nigeria football crisis

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process as they step up efforts to assess the crisis within Nigerian football.

The directive was contained in a letter dated September 7 and signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov.

FIFA and CAF said they are reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the recent developments within the NFF.

As part of the directive, the two bodies have instructed the NFF not to take any further steps or make decisions concerning the electoral process until their assessment is completed.

The decision effectively puts the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on hold.

FIFA and CAF said the suspension is intended to preserve the status quo while they engage with stakeholders and assess the situation.

The international football bodies have also announced plans to send a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest opportunity.

The mission is expected to meet the NFF administration, members of the federation, electoral bodies and officials of the National Sports Commission.

FIFA and CAF said the visit will allow them to gather information and understand the different positions of stakeholders before deciding on possible recommendations or further action.

The intervention follows a major leadership crisis at the NFF, which began with the resignation of President Ibrahim Gusau on August 27, just 34 days before the end of his four-year tenure.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee also resigned, leaving a leadership vacuum at the federation.

Emmanuel Ikpeme was subsequently appointed Acting General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire became Acting Deputy General Secretary.

The crisis has also come amid a difficult period for Nigerian football, following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons' failure to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

President Bola Tinubu has since called for comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, covering governance, administration, development, domestic competitions and accountability.

For now, the September 27 NFF election remains suspended as FIFA and CAF begin their assessment of the situation.

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