LAGOS SEPTEMBER 2ND (NEWSRANGERS)-FIFA has written to Nigerian football authorities, demanding clarifications over reports alleging government interference in the issues surrounding the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
The Secretary General of the world football governing body, Mattias Grafström, signed the letter dated September 1, 2026.
The correspondence noted that FIFA was aware that NFF President Ibrahim Gusau had resigned following an alleged directive from the Presidency.
FIFA said such a development, if confirmed, could raise concerns under its statutes governing the independence of member associations.
The organisation cited Articles 14 and 19 of the FIFA Statutes, which require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties, including government authorities.
“FIFA has taken note with great concern of reports indicating that the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Ibrahim Gusau, has tendered his resignation following a directive from the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the letter stated.
FIFA has now asked for written confirmation that Gusau’s reported resignation was voluntary and made without external pressure.
It also requested an official explanation from the Federal Government regarding the circumstances surrounding the development.
The football governing body further sought assurances that the NFF would continue to operate in accordance with its statutes and applicable FIFA regulations.
However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported letter allegedly issued by world football governing body FIFA over claims of government interference in the affairs of Nigerian football. The NFF on Tuesday rejected the document, saying it was “totally fake” and did not originate from FIFA.
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 within the context of the ongoing reform process involving Nigerian football’s major stakeholders.
“FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the federation said.
It added 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.”
Following the resignations, the National Sports Commission endorsed Emmanuel Ikpeme, the former NFF Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the federation’s secretariat as interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire was named interim Deputy General Secretary.
The NFF also suspended preparations for its elective congress, with a fresh electoral process expected after the completion of the reform programme being undertaken in consultation with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The latest NFF statement effectively contradicts the purported FIFA communication that had circulated in the media, particularly claims that FIFA had issued an immediate warning of suspension over alleged government intervention.
The reported letter had claimed that FIFA was seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s resignation and could refer the matter to its Council if satisfactory explanations were not provided.
It also purportedly warned that Nigeria could be suspended from FIFA and CAF activities and that a Normalisation Committee could subsequently be appointed.
The NFF, however, has now urged the focus to remain on the ongoing consultations between FIFA, CAF, the NSC and the NFF administration as stakeholders work towards a roadmap for comprehensive reforms.
The development comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the country’s football administration following the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
DailyPost &Vanguard
For advertisement placement, events coverage, media consultancy, placement of publications and further enquiries please WhatsApp 2348023773039 or email:labakevwe@yahoo.com
