By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The last has not been heard about the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which resulted in the mass resignation of the erstwhile president Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Executive Committee Members and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, as the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) have written that they are still assessing the situation in Nigeria.
This is even as FIFA, CAF have directed the NFF to suspend its upcoming electoral process, a directive which effectively reinforces the earlier decision by the federation to halt preparations for NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September 27, 2026 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The directive from both bodies was contained in a letter dated 7 September 7, 2026 and signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, which was addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme who is currently working as the acting scribe of the federation.
The letter, which was copied to CAF, said FIFA and CAF are assessing the “legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications” arising from the recent upheaval in the NFF.
It said the assessment followed communications received by FIFA and CAF concerning the resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, members of the Executive Committee and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, as well as correspondence from other Nigerian football stakeholders.
The two bodies also referred to the meeting held at FIFA House in Zurich on 1 September involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,” the letter said.
It added that the assessment requires a review of the relevant facts, the NFF regulatory framework and the positions presented by various stakeholders.
“At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,” the letter stated.
Election suspended
The latest directive effectively reinforces the earlier decision by the NFF to halt preparations for its elective congress scheduled for 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
FIFA and CAF specifically instructed the NFF administration not to take further steps in relation to the electoral process until their assessment is completed.
“Furthermore, and without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing assessment, FIFA and CAF request that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection to that process until further notice,” the letter said.
The bodies explained that the decision was intended to preserve the existing situation while they investigate the circumstances surrounding the leadership crisis.
“This request is made in order to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment of the current situation and engage with the relevant stakeholders,” the letter added.
The NFF was also asked to communicate the directive to all relevant stakeholders, including its electoral bodies.
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