NFF crisis: FIFA to visit Nigeria as threat of ban looms

FIFA officials are set to visit Nigeria in the coming days, amid the crisis that has engulfed the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

This was confirmed in an email from the world football governing body dated September 7.

This is contrary to reports that FIFA and the National Sports Commission, NSC, delegation led by its chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Bukola Olopade, had agreed on the proposed football reform in the country.

FIFA, in the email addressed to Barrister Emmanuel Ikpeme and signed by Elkhan Mammadov, Chief Member Associations Officer, said, “FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF.

“This assessment requires a careful review of the relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions communicated by the various stakeholders concerned.”

It noted that no conclusions have been reached as the matter is still under review.

FIFA also requested that Ikpeme serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF, not the NSC, until further notice.

The email added that FIFA and CAF will “conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja, Nigeria, at the earliest possible opportunity.

“The purpose of this mission will be to engage with the relevant stakeholders and gather the information necessary to enable FIFA and CAF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation.”