NFF Crisis: Gusau, others to confirm resignation at emergency congress

ABUJA — The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, is expected to formally announce his resignation today at an emergency meeting of the NFF Congress scheduled to hold in Abuja.

The emergency meeting, convened by members of the NFF Congress, is scheduled for 12 noon and is expected to provide an opportunity for the federation’s leadership to address recent developments within the organisation.

An invitation signed by Yakubu Sarma on behalf of the Congress members has been sent to State Football Association chairmen, club representatives, the Referees Association, Coaches Association, Players Union and the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA).

The invitation described attendance as mandatory and listed five items on the proposed agenda: current developments within the NFF; the status and functioning of the NFF Executive Committee and Secretariat; implications for the governance, stability and independence of the federation; consideration of appropriate measures under the NFF, CAF and FIFA statutes; and the way forward.

The development follows reports that Gusau and members of his Executive Committee resigned on Wednesday amid mounting criticism of the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.

The reports cited a series of disappointing results across the various national teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups and the Super Falcons’ inability to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Questions have also been raised over the performances of Nigeria’s U-17, U-20 and U-23 teams in recent international competitions.

Nigeria remains the most successful country in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, having won the tournament five times. However, the Golden Eaglets have missed the last three editions of the competition.

The country’s U-23 side, popularly known as the Dream Team, has also struggled to maintain the prominence it once enjoyed, despite Nigeria becoming the first African country to win Olympic football gold in 1996.

The poor run of results has fueled concerns among football stakeholders and supporters, with calls growing for reforms and a fresh approach to the administration of Nigerian football.

The emergency Congress meeting is therefore expected to be closely watched, particularly as members consider the implications of the reported resignations and determine the next steps for the federation.

According to the invitation, details of travel and accommodation arrangements would be communicated to Congress members.