The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) held an Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, issuing a communique on Thursday afternoon outlining decisions on the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and the wider state of the game.
The session, held on Wednesday, began with a review of the Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on 21 December in Morocco.
Image Credit: NFF
The board instructed its Secretariat to deliver “a hitch-free run-in to the championship” and urged the squad to put their World Cup play-off disappointment behind them.
DR Congo ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup after coming from behind to win 4–3 on penalties in Rabat, following a tense 1–1 draw. Frank Onyeka opened the scoring before the Leopards equalised and later sealed victory in the shootout.
Victor Osimhen celebrating with his Super Eagles teammates. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
The Committee encouraged the players to “use the same North African kingdom as the arena to write a new story about themselves and their abilities.”
Focus then shifted to the Super Falcons, with the NFF directing officials to secure friendly matches in the February FIFA window as part of their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The directive follows public criticism from senior players, who highlighted the lack of fixtures during the November–December window.
Rasheedat Ajibade, Ashleigh Plumptre, Michelle Alozie and Rinsola Babajide posted:
“Zero Friendlies Confirmed Between November 24th to December 2nd.”
Ashleigh Plumptre on Instagram. Photo Credit: Instagram
The Committee also discussed the poor results of youth national teams in recent years and ordered its Technical and Legal Departments to produce new guidelines for football academies nationwide. The framework is expected to strengthen grassroots development and ensure compliance with FIFA standards.
On governance, the NFF confirmed that the recruitment process for a new Independent Auditor is underway after PriceWaterhouseCoopers completed its two four-year terms. A public call for applications has already been issued.
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Officials expressed satisfaction with progress on the NFF–FIFA Players’ Hostel and training pitches being built at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja under the FIFA Forward 3.0 programme. The contractor is said to be on track to meet the 24-month timeline.
Photo by NFF
However, refereeing across the NPFL, NNL, NWFL and NLO drew strong warning. The Committee registered “deep-seated disappointment” with recent performances and said stricter measures are being prepared to tackle incompetence, poor officiating, collusion and match manipulation.
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Those present at the meeting included NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and several board members. Vice Presidents Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Gbenga Elegbeleye were absent with apology.
