NFF Leadership Resigns En Masse Amid Pressure For Football Reform

NFF Leadership Resigns En Masse Amid Pressure for Football Reform

The entire leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation NFF has resigned following mounting pressure over the poor performance of Nigeria’s national teams and growing demands for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of football. The development saw NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, members of the board and the executive committee step down from their positions. The officials had previously insisted they would complete their four-year tenure and seek re-election later this year. Gusau said his resignation followed consultations with his family, friends and stakeholders within the football community, adding that he had communicated his decision to members of the executive committee.According to him, the decision was taken in the overriding interest of Nigerian football and was intended to pave the way for a comprehensive and orderly reform of the federation.The former NFF president said the reform should address longstanding institutional, governance and developmental challenges confronting Nigerian football.The mass resignation comes after a series of disappointing results by Nigeria’s national teams.The Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking the first time Nigeria’s women’s national team will miss the tournament since its inception in 1991. The Super Eagles had earlier failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the Flying Eagles also failed to qualify for the next Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. The poor results have intensified scrutiny of the federation, including questions over the management of government funds allocated to Nigerian football. The Guardian reported that anti-corruption agencies are examining the utilisation of a ₦17 billion Federal Government intervention fund approved for the NFF. The financial scrutiny comes amid years of complaints from national team players over unpaid allowances and bonuses. In November 2025, the Super Eagles reportedly boycotted training in Morocco ahead of a World Cup play-off over outstanding allowances dating back to 2019. In April 2026, members of the Flying Eagles also raised concerns over unpaid qualification bonuses and camp allowances. Following the resignation of the NFF leadership, football stakeholders have called for a restructuring of the federation before the next elective congress. An emergency NFF congress is reportedly being considered as discussions begin over who should oversee the reorganisation of Nigerian football. Several prominent names have emerged as possible leaders of a football reorganisation committee, including former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname, former NFF Secretary-General Musa Amadu, and former Director-General of the National Sports Commission Patrick Ekeji. Sources within the National Sports Commission reportedly said Soname had been approached to lead the committee but was reluctant because of his busy schedule. Musa Amadu, a lawyer and former NFF Secretary-General, is also being considered as a leading candidate to head the proposed committee. Fashola and Ekeji have similarly been mentioned among those who could help reorganise the federation and address issues surrounding the NFF’s electoral structure. Other names being discussed include former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana and former Chelsea football director Michael Emenalo, both of whom have extensive experience in football administration. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also called for comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global football competitions. The development comes amid a wider global debate over accountability, governance and financial transparency within football governing bodies. At the international level, FIFA is facing legal and institutional scrutiny over allegations relating to financial management and accountability, while UEFA has launched legal proceedings in Switzerland concerning FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. Against this backdrop, Nigerian football stakeholders have urged the country to use the current crisis as an opportunity to build a more transparent, professional and accountable football administration. Stakeholders have called for credible elections, stronger financial controls, improved welfare for players and coaches, better grassroots development, modern football facilities and a clearer system for managing public funds. The resignation of the Gusau-led administration has therefore opened a new chapter for Nigerian football, with attention now focused on the proposed reform process and the emergence of a leadership capable of restoring confidence in the federation.