NFF President to Speak on Resignation Rumors

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, will talk to the media in Abuja on Thursday. This comes as there are reports that he has resigned from his position.

Gusau is set to hold a world press conference at the NFF headquarters. His resignation and the ongoing crisis in Nigerian football will likely be the main topics of discussion.

There are claims that Gusau and several members of the NFF Executive Committee have stepped down due to increasing pressure on the federation. This pressure follows a series of disappointing performances from Nigeria’s national teams.

A source close to the situation said that Gusau might share important news at the press conference.

"You have to attend by 12 noon to know what he will be telling the world, but I am sure Gusau will be making some massive revelations that will surprise many today," the source told PREMIUM TIMES.

The leadership problems at the NFF come at a tough time for Nigerian football. The Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding to the challenges.

Nigeria had been part of every Women’s World Cup since it started in 1991. The Falcons also lost their chance to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Following this, Nigeria lost 2-1 to South Africa in the World Cup qualification play-off, ending hopes of competing in the 2027 tournament. This situation led to widespread criticism of the NFF. The federation has since apologized to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has increased scrutiny on the NFF leadership. In response, the NFF formed a committee to investigate why the national teams have been performing poorly.

The committee looked into how players are selected and invited to national team camps. It reported that "some of the Board Members influence the invitation of players to the National Teams locally and internationally."

The report also claimed that "Team Coaches and Officials" might invite players to national camps “for the purpose of having a source for financial gains.”

Additionally, the report raised concerns that some board members, NFF management staff, and coaches could receive incentives to sway decisions regarding player invitations.

It said: "Allegations of Board Members, NFF Management Staff and Coaches taking incentives to compromise decisions in the build-up to national team camp invitation."

On top of these sporting issues, the NFF is facing questions about its financial management. Security agencies are reportedly looking into how a N17 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the federation in 2024 was used. This fund was meant to settle payments owed to national team players and officials.

The reported resignations of several Executive Committee members have added more trouble to the situation. Reports say that up to eight of the 13 members have resigned or shown interest in leaving. This could create uncertainty about how the federation is managed.

This issue might also affect the NFF elective congress set for 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State. While the resignations have not been fully confirmed by the federation, Thursday’s press conference should clarify Gusau’s position and the status of other board members.

It may also give Gusau a chance to respond to the criticism of his administration and explain what is happening with the leadership changes.