FIFA, CAF Begin Assessment of NFF Crisis

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football have begun assessing the crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation, with officials meeting stakeholders in Abuja to examine the issues surrounding the federation’s leadership and administration.

The joint assessment follows the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the federation’s executive board on August 27.

The development created uncertainty over the leadership of Nigerian football and raised questions about the future of the federation’s electoral process.

FIFA and CAF officials met with National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and members of the NFF’s federating units in Abuja as part of efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the crisis.

The delegation includes officials responsible for governance and legal matters within FIFA and CAF. Their discussions are expected to cover the NFF’s statutes, governance structure, electoral procedures and the proposed timetable for a new elective congress.

The international football bodies are also examining the role of the Nigerian government in the affairs of the federation, as well as proposals aimed at restructuring the administration of Nigerian football.

The assessment comes after FIFA and CAF directed the NFF to suspend its ongoing electoral process pending the completion of their review.

The directive effectively halted preparations for the proposed September 27 elective congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

FIFA and CAF have said that no final decision has been reached on the crisis, stressing that the assessment would allow them to better understand the views of stakeholders and determine whether further action or recommendations would be necessary.

The international bodies are expected to engage additional stakeholders during their assessment in order to establish a lawful and acceptable pathway toward restoring a functioning NFF Congress.

The NFF’s statutes and the composition of its Congress have been major areas of concern among stakeholders seeking a more inclusive and transparent football administration.

The crisis has also heightened calls for reforms within the federation, particularly following the poor performances of some of Nigeria’s national teams and their failure to qualify for major international competitions.

The outcome of the FIFA and CAF assessment is expected to provide clearer direction on the future leadership of the NFF and the process for conducting fresh elections.

Stakeholders are hoping that the intervention will produce a lasting solution to the leadership crisis and establish greater stability in Nigerian football.

Until the assessment is concluded, FIFA and CAF have indicated that no assumptions should be made about what action they may eventually take.