FIFA YET TO APPROVE NFF TRANSITION PLAN AS DELEGATION PREPARES FOR NIGERIA VISIT

World football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football are still assessing the leadership crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation and have yet to take a final decision on the proposed restructuring of the federation. The development follows the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, members of the Executive Committee and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, with FIFA now reviewing the legal, administrative, governance and electoral implications of the changes.

The latest position emerged after a meeting between FIFA, CAF, NFF officials and representatives of the Federal Government at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1. The Nigerian delegation was led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, while discussions centred on the crisis within the federation and the proposed roadmap for reforms. FIFA had earlier accepted the resignations of the former NFF officials and agreed to continue consultations with the Nigerian authorities and football stakeholders.

FIFA and CAF are now expected to send representatives to Nigeria to gain a clearer understanding of the situation before determining the next course of action. The planned visit has also delayed a final decision on the proposed normalisation arrangement, meaning the composition and mandate of any interim structure have yet to receive formal approval from the international football authorities.

In the meantime, Emmanuel Ikpeme, who was endorsed by the National Sports Commission as acting NFF General Secretary, has been identified by FIFA as the federation’s primary contact with the world and continental governing bodies. However, FIFA's correspondence referred to him as Deputy General Secretary, reflecting the transitional nature of the current administration while consultations continue.

The uncertainty also casts questions over the NFF's electoral timetable, which had included an elective congress scheduled for September 27. FIFA's ongoing assessment is expected to determine whether the proposed transition proceeds, whether changes are required, and how the federation's next leadership structure will emerge. For now, Nigerian football remains in a holding pattern as FIFA and CAF work with local authorities to agree on a framework for restoring stability and strengthening the administration of the sport.