NFF ELECTION SUSPENDED AS IKPEME ASSUMES INTERIM ADMINISTRATIVE ROLE

The Nigeria Football Federation’s electoral process has been suspended amid a major leadership shake-up at the football governing body following the resignation of President Ibrahim Gusau and several members of the federation’s executive committee.

The development comes barely a month before the NFF’s proposed elective congress, which had been scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The leadership crisis has now created uncertainty over the federation’s immediate administrative structure and the future of the election.

Following the resignation of NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme is set to take over the day-to-day running of the federation’s secretariat in an acting capacity.

Ikpeme is expected to officially assume the role on Friday, August 28, and oversee the administrative operations of the NFF while further decisions are made regarding the federation’s leadership transition.

The development follows Gusau’s resignation on Thursday after nearly four years in office. He confirmed his decision at a press conference in Abuja, saying he had consulted his family, friends and other stakeholders before deciding to step down.

Several members of the NFF executive committee also resigned amid mounting criticism over the state of Nigerian football. The pressure intensified following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The National Sports Commission had earlier moved to cancel the September 27 NFF electoral congress and was expected to establish a normalisation committee to oversee the federation during the transition.

Ikpeme brings considerable experience to the interim role, having joined the NFF in 2007 and served in various technical and administrative positions. He became Deputy General Secretary in 2015 after previously serving as Deputy Secretary-General (Technical).

His immediate responsibility will be to maintain continuity at the NFF secretariat and ensure that the federation’s ongoing programmes and engagements are not disrupted by the leadership changes.

The suspension of the electoral process and the resignation of the federation’s top officials mark a significant turning point for Nigerian football, with attention now focused on the next steps for reorganising the NFF and determining a new electoral roadmap.