The Nigeria Football Federation has moved swiftly to reorganise its administrative structure following the resignation of President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee, with Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme now set to oversee the NFF Secretariat on an interim basis.
The development comes alongside a major change at the Nigeria Premier Football League, where Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman has been appointed the league’s new Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect.
The two developments form part of a wider transition announced by the NFF on Friday, following the National Sports Commission’s intervention after Thursday’s mass resignations.
Ikpeme takes over NFF Secretariat
Ikpeme, who was previously the NFF’s Deputy General Secretary, has been endorsed by the National Sports Commission to oversee the federation’s Secretariat as interim General Secretary.
His appointment provides immediate administrative continuity following Sanusi’s departure and comes at a particularly significant moment for Nigerian football, with the federation preparing for major reforms to its governance structure.
Dr Ademola Olajire, previously Director of Media and Communications, has also been appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.
The changes mean the NFF Secretariat will continue operating under an interim structure while wider consultations involving the government, FIFA, CAF and other stakeholders take place.
Ikpeme is an experienced football administrator who has spent several years within the NFF structure. His elevation therefore provides the federation with an established hand to manage its day-to-day affairs during the transition.
September 27 NFF election suspended
One of the most significant consequences of the leadership upheaval is the suspension of the electoral process that had been leading towards the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The federation confirmed that all processes already initiated for the congress have been suspended.
A fresh electoral process will only commence after the completion of what the NFF described as comprehensive reforms, with the reforms expected to be undertaken in consultation with FIFA and CAF.
The move effectively puts the previously scheduled election on hold and opens a new phase in the administration of Nigerian football.
The National Sports Commission is expected to remain central to the process as the government, football authorities and stakeholders work towards determining a new roadmap.
Major changes ordered across Nigeria’s leagues
The administrative changes are not restricted to the NFF Secretariat.
The federation has directed the chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the NPFL, NNL, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One to hand over the administration of their respective competitions to their Chief Operating Officers.
The directive is designed to ensure that the country’s major domestic competitions continue to function despite the leadership changes at the federation.
Where a league’s COO is not an NFF staff member, the acting General Secretary has been empowered to deploy a new COO from within the federation.
That directive has already triggered a major change at the NPFL.
Abdulrahaman takes over NPFL operations
Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, with the appointment taking immediate effect.
His arrival coincides with the opening day of the 2026/27 NPFL season, adding another major storyline to the start of the new campaign.
Abdulrahaman brings experience in sports administration and football organisation, including work across Nigeria’s various league structures. He holds a doctorate degree in sports administration.
His appointment represents a significant change in the leadership of the NPFL, with Davidson Owumi and Gbenga Elegbeleye exiting their respective positions as the league moves under the new administrative arrangement.
The development came as Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos kickoff the new NPFL campaign at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.
A new phase for Nigerian football
The NFF said the interim measures are intended to guarantee continuity while engagements with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other stakeholders continue towards a comprehensive reform roadmap.
