The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as entirely fabricated a viral letter allegedly issued by FIFA regarding purported government interference in Nigerian football administration.
The discredited document claimed FIFA had threatened Nigeria with immediate suspension from FIFA and CAF competitions over the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau. Rejecting the release, the NFF clarified that the document did not originate from world football's governing body and emphasized that FIFA has already acknowledged and accepted the resignations of Gusau, former General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
Addressing the leadership overhaul, the NFF stated that the transition forms part of a collaborative reform effort alongside the National Sports Commission (NSC), CAF, and FIFA.
“Mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration, [and] CAF is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, including agreeing a road map going forward in accordance to the relevant rule books and statutes,” the federation noted.
The administrative shakeup follows the mass resignation of top NFF officials on August 27. Gusau stated that stepping down was a necessary step to clear the path for a structured reform process aimed at tackling deep-seated institutional and developmental issues within Nigerian football.
In the wake of the resignations, the National Sports Commission approved Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary and Ademola Olajire as interim Deputy General Secretary to manage day-to-day operations at the secretariat. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming elective congress have been temporarily suspended to allow the ongoing reform roadmap—crafted in consultation with FIFA and CAF—to take effect before new elections are scheduled.
The NFF’s firm clarification puts to rest rumors of an imminent FIFA sanction or the potential appointment of a Normalisation Committee. Stakeholders have been urged to direct their attention toward the ongoing structural overhauls, which come in the wake of mounting pressure following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons' missed qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.