GUSAU SET TO BREAK SILENCE AS NFF LEADERSHIP FACES FRESH UNCERTAINTY

Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, is expected to address the media in Abuja amid growing uncertainty over the federation’s leadership and the September elective congress.

The planned media briefing is scheduled for Thursday at the NFF headquarters inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Gusau is expected to respond to several reports surrounding the future of the federation’s executive committee and the controversy over the forthcoming elections.

There have been reports that the National Sports Commission could intervene in the NFF’s affairs, including the possibility of establishing a normalisation committee ahead of a fresh election. However, the NSC has not confirmed that the Federal Government ordered Gusau and his board to resign, saying consultations on the future of Nigerian football are ongoing.

The development has also been accompanied by reports that several members of the NFF Executive Committee may have resigned. While some reports have claimed that Gusau and members of his board have stepped down, the federation had not officially confirmed the development at the time of earlier reports.

Gusau’s expected briefing comes amid increasing pressure on the NFF leadership following a series of setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons recently suffered the historic setback of missing qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The federation has also faced scrutiny over the management of government funds released to address outstanding payments to national team players and officials. Security and anti-corruption agencies have reportedly been examining issues surrounding the utilisation of the funds.

Meanwhile, the NFF had scheduled its elective congress for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The electoral process includes candidate screening and the publication of cleared candidates ahead of the congress. Any major change in the federation’s leadership could therefore have implications for the election timetable.

Gusau’s appearance before the media is consequently expected to provide clarification on the resignation reports, the status of the NFF board, the planned elective congress and the wider issues surrounding the administration of Nigerian football.