FIFA and CAF suspend Nigeria FA electoral process amid governance crisis

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process as they assess the latest developments within the country's football administration.

In a letter dated 7 September 2026 and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA said it was working with CAF to examine the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the current situation at the federation.

The intervention follows a series of developments within the NFF, including the resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation's Executive Committee amid growing criticism of the country's football fortunes.

The crisis has developed against the backdrop of a series of disappointing results involving Nigeria's national teams.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in their history.

Several of Nigeria's youth national teams have also failed to qualify for major continental and global competitions.

The latest FIFA and CAF intervention therefore comes at a particularly difficult period for Nigerian football.

FIFA and CAF also referred to a meeting held at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich on 1 September involving representatives of the two governing bodies, the NFF administration and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the letter, no conclusions have yet been reached and FIFA and CAF have not made any determination on what steps should follow.

"FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF."

The two organisations have requested that Ikpeme serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.

More significantly, FIFA and CAF have asked that the ongoing NFF electoral process be suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken until their assessment is completed. The request is intended to preserve the status quo while the governing bodies establish the facts and consult the relevant stakeholders.

• Joint FIFA-CAF mission planned for Abuja

FIFA and CAF also plan to send a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.

The mission will meet representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation's electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission.

The objective is to gather information and gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments, while examining whether any issues require further consideration under FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.

The outcome of the assessment will determine whether FIFA and CAF make recommendations or proposals to their respective decision-making bodies.

However, the letter makes clear that the process remains open and that no assumptions should be made about any possible action FIFA or CAF may eventually take.

The latest intervention places Nigeria's football administration under increased scrutiny and puts the NFF's electoral timetable on hold while FIFA and CAF seek to establish a clearer picture of the federation's leadership and governance situation.