The Nigeria Football Federation has moved to calm fears of a fresh international crisis after dismissing as fake a purported FIFA letter threatening Nigeria with suspension from international competitions.
The document, which circulated in sections of the media, claimed that world football governing body FIFA had raised concerns over alleged government interference in the affairs of the NFF following the resignation of former president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
It purportedly warned that Nigeria could be suspended from FIFA and CAF competitions if the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s resignation were not satisfactorily explained.
But the NFF on Tuesday rejected the document, describing it as “totally fake” and insisting that it did not originate from FIFA.
The federation wrote on X: “The NFF has debunked news of a ‘letter’ circulating in sections of the media as being from world-football governing body, FIFA. It is totally fake. FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco (1) and mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration, CAF is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, including agreeing a road map going forward in accordance to the relevant rules books and statutes (end)”
READMORE:Atlanta ’96 heroes get long-awaited recognition from Kaduna Government
According to the federation, FIFA has already accepted the resignations of Gusau, former General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
The NFF said the development should instead be viewed against the backdrop of ongoing consultations among the major stakeholders in Nigerian football as they seek to implement comprehensive reforms.
The federation reiterated that “FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” while adding that “mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration, CAF is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, including agreeing a road map going forward in accordance to the relevant rule books and statutes.”
The clarification comes days after the mass resignation of Gusau, Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee on August 27.
Gusau, who had served as NFF president since 2022, said his decision to step down was aimed at paving the way for a comprehensive and orderly reform process capable of addressing longstanding institutional, governance and developmental challenges within Nigerian football.
Interim leadership takes shape
Following the resignations, the National Sports Commission endorsed Emmanuel Ikpeme, a former NFF Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the federation’s secretariat as interim General Secretary.
Ademola Olajire was subsequently named interim Deputy General Secretary.
The NFF has also suspended preparations for its elective congress, with a new electoral process expected after the completion of the reform programme being undertaken in consultation with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football.
That process is now at the centre of efforts to reshape the administration of Nigerian football.
The purported FIFA letter had painted a considerably more troubling picture, claiming that FIFA was seeking clarification over the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s resignation and could refer the matter to its Council if satisfactory explanations were not provided.
It also allegedly warned that Nigeria could be suspended from FIFA and CAF activities, with a Normalisation Committee potentially appointed afterwards.
The NFF’s latest statement, however, directly contradicts those claims, insisting that the alleged communication was not issued by FIFA.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
At the meantime, the federation wants attention directed towards the ongoing consultations between FIFA, CAF, the NSC and the NFF administration as the stakeholders work towards a roadmap for comprehensive reforms.
The latest controversy comes at a particularly difficult moment for Nigerian football.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also missed out on qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, adding to the pressure surrounding the country’s football administration.
Pingback: FIFA accepts NFF resignations as Nigeria begins football reform roadmap - The Athletic NG