NFF election uncertainty deepens as stakeholders kick

Uncertainty is trailing the planned September 27 elective congress of the Nigeria Football Federation, with stakeholders mounting opposition to the process and calling for reforms before the polls, The PUNCH reports.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, who was elected at the federation’s elective congress in Benin City in September 2022, is seeking a second term in office amid growing criticism of his administration.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also missed out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, developments that have intensified calls from some stakeholders for changes at the federation.

Former Nigeria Premier Football League chairman Rumson Baribote questioned the credibility of the current electoral process, arguing that the voting structure gives undue advantage to state football associations over other federating units.

“The NFF election cannot stand because there is a matter before the court. If you have not resolved the issues around the election in 2022, will you be talking about another election? Those amendments need to be addressed,” Baribote told The PUNCH.

“The best bet is either the NSC writes to FIFA, and even if they don’t write, we have to find a way to make those amendments.

“The same way the state FAs have offices in 36 states and the FCT, the referees’ association, players’ representatives, coaches and other bodies also have representatives across the states.

“So why are they making the FAs superior to others? The best bet is to give all the federating units an equal number of votes.”

Former international and Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reforms Initiative, Harrison Jalla, also called for government intervention, claiming that the election process is already before the courts.

“The election is already sub judice before the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/1120/2026 and the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1755/2026, with demands for reforms and the enforcement of pending court judgments,” Jalla said in a statement.

“The group that hijacked Nigerian football since 2008 — the State Football Association chairmen — has shown clearly over the years that they lack the capacity to move Nigerian football forward, simply because they cannot give what they do not have.

“Who would participate in an election that is predetermined? It is only the beneficiaries of such a skewed process.

“The earlier the Federal Government and relevant agencies intervene in the administrative crisis and entrenched corruption within Nigerian football, the better. Otherwise, we may soon find ourselves in a situation where self-help could lead to a breakdown of law and order, as the relevant authorities continue to refuse to act.”

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the National Sports Commission is seeking President Bola Tinubu’s approval to halt the election and establish a normalisation committee that would oversee reforms within the federation.

However, a member of the Gusau-led NFF board dismissed reports that the election had been cancelled, insisting that the process remained on course.

“It is all rumours, there is nothing like that and there is no such thing as a threat of FIFA ban. The person heading the NSC, Shehu Dikko, knows the statutes very well, so I believe he will only take steps in accordance with the rules guiding us,” the board member said.