FIFA is set to conduct rigorous integrity and eligibility checks on members of Nigeria’s interim football administration and prospective members of the planned Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) normalisation committee.
The development follows the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and the entire executive committee on August 27, 2026.
The resignations came amid mounting pressure over Nigeria’s recent failures on the international stage, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ historic failure to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The federation has also faced scrutiny over its financial management, including questions surrounding the use of a multi-billion-naira government intervention fund.
An interim administration has since been put in place, with Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme serving as acting NFF General Secretary and Dr Ademola Olajire as interim Deputy General Secretary. The federation’s scheduled elections have been suspended as Nigerian authorities pursue wider reforms.
A Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other football officials at FIFA House in Zurich on September 1.
The delegation included NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, former NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who attended in his capacity as an adviser to the CAF President, acting NFF General Secretary Ikpeme and NFF Director of Legal Services Okey Obi. Representatives of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were also present.
Following the meeting, FIFA formally accepted the resignations and expressed support for Nigeria’s proposed reform roadmap.
Discussions centred on improving institutional governance, strengthening football development structures and establishing a stable and inclusive NFF capable of delivering sustainable progress.
FIFA and Nigerian officials also agreed to continue discussions involving the NSC, the interim NFF administration and CAF to finalise short-, medium- and long-term reform plans.
As part of the transition, FIFA is expected to play a significant role in determining the composition of the proposed normalisation committee, which could oversee Nigerian football for an initial period of three to six months or potentially longer.
Prospective members of the committee, including anyone considered for an interim presidency, are expected to undergo FIFA’s mandatory integrity and eligibility screening process, similar to the checks applied to executive officials of FIFA-affiliated football associations.
One of the names reportedly being considered to lead the committee is Senior Advocate of Nigeria AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha. He currently serves on FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee and previously headed the CAF Appeal Committee.
His experience within international football administration is regarded as a potential advantage as FIFA and CAF seek credible leadership for Nigeria’s transition.
Meanwhile, the NFF has dismissed as fake a circulating letter allegedly issued by FIFA threatening Nigeria with suspension over government interference.
The federation maintained that FIFA has accepted the recent leadership changes and is working with Nigerian football authorities on the reform process.
The latest developments represent a major intervention in Nigeria’s football administration and could usher in significant changes to the way the NFF is governed.
Further details regarding the membership, mandate and timeline of the normalisation committee are expected as discussions between FIFA, CAF, the NSC and Nigerian authorities continue.
