President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, and other members of the federation’s Executive Committee are expected to formally confirm their resignations at an emergency Congress meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The emergency meeting, scheduled for noon, was convened by members of the NFF Congress amid the deepening crisis in Nigerian football.

An invitation signed by Yakubu Sarma on behalf of Congress members was sent to State Football Association chairmen, club representatives, the Referees Association, Coaches Association, Players Union and the Nigeria Referees Association.

Attendance was described as mandatory, with the agenda covering recent developments within the NFF, the status of the Executive Committee and Secretariat, and the implications for the governance, stability and independence of the federation.

The Congress is also expected to consider measures permitted under the statutes of the NFF, Confederation of African Football and FIFA, before determining the way forward.

The development follows reports that Gusau and members of his Executive Committee resigned on Wednesday after coming under intense pressure over the declining fortunes of Nigeria’s national teams.

The pressure intensified after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the history of the competition. Nigeria had previously featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991.

The Super Eagles have also missed the last two FIFA World Cups, while Nigeria’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams have recorded disappointing results in recent international competitions.

The NFF leadership has additionally faced scrutiny over the management of a N17 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to settle outstanding wages and bonuses owed to national-team players. The Department of State Services has reportedly examined documents relating to the utilisation of the funds.

Reports indicate that as many as eight of the 13 members of the NFF Executive Committee have already resigned.

The reported departures have raised questions over the future of the federation’s leadership and the September 27 election earlier scheduled to produce a new NFF board.

The emergency Congress is therefore expected to provide clarity on the resignations and determine the next steps for the administration of Nigerian football.