FIFA has suspended the Nigeria Football Federation’s electoral process and announced plans to send a joint delegation to Nigeria as it investigates the leadership crisis engulfing the country’s football governing body.
The decision follows the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
In a letter dated September 7, 2026, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov said FIFA and the Confederation of African Football were still examining the circumstances surrounding the mass resignations and had yet to determine the next steps for the federation.
The suspension means the September 27 NFF elections, along with all activities leading to the polls, have been put on hold until further notice.
Sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana disclosed FIFA’s position, stating: “This is what @FIFAcom has formally told @thenff, concerning its governance stalemate:1. The September 27th elections, and all electoral processes leading to it, are suspended.2. A FIFA fact-finding visit to #Nigeria will soon take place – which I already knew about.”
FIFA said the decision was aimed at maintaining the status quo while consultations and investigations continue. It stressed that the suspension should not be viewed as a ruling on whether actions taken by any of the stakeholders were valid.
The world football governing body also identified Acting NFF General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme as its main contact with FIFA and CAF during the ongoing assessment.
Why the NFF crisis erupted
The latest crisis followed the mass resignation of Gusau, Sanusi and the NFF Executive Committee amid growing concerns about the direction of Nigerian football.
The leadership upheaval came after a difficult period for the country’s football teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.
Several youth national teams have also struggled to qualify for major continental and global competitions.
FIFA, CAF plan Abuja fact-finding mission
Instead of immediately imposing sanctions or installing an interim administration, FIFA said it would first conduct a fact-finding exercise in Nigeria.
A joint FIFA-CAF delegation is expected to visit Abuja and meet representatives of key stakeholders in Nigerian football.
The delegation is expected to engage NFF member associations, electoral committee officials and Federal Government representatives, including officials of the National Sports Commission.
According to FIFA, the visit will help it obtain the necessary information to assess the legal, administrative, governance and electoral implications of the crisis before deciding on any recommendations.
Mammadov cautioned against assuming what FIFA and CAF would ultimately decide, saying, “The outcome of the assessment remains open, and no assumptions should be made as to any action that FIFA and CAF may or may not take.”
The development leaves the NFF’s electoral calendar suspended as FIFA and CAF continue their assessment of the federation’s leadership crisis.
