The National Sports Commission has approved the appointment of former Nigeria Football Federation Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, as the federation’s interim General Secretary.
His appointment follows the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The NFF announced the development in a statement, saying Ikpeme would oversee the administration of its secretariat during the transition.
The federation said, “Following Thursday’s resignations of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau as President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi as General Secretary, and members of the Executive Committee, the National Sports Commission has endorsed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, until now Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the NFF Secretariat as interim General Secretary.”
The NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, has also been appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.
The leadership shake-up has led to the suspension of the NFF elective process earlier scheduled for September 27.
According to the federation, “All processes initiated in preparation for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September have also been suspended.”
It explained that the suspension would pave the way for comprehensive reforms before a fresh election is conducted.
The NFF said, “A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with the world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF.”
The restructuring also affects the country’s major domestic leagues.
The chairmen, directors and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One have been directed to hand over administrative responsibilities to their respective chief operating officers.
The NFF said the measures were necessary to ensure the continued running of football competitions while the reform process is underway.
The federation stated, “These interim measures are intended to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian Football during the transition and pending conclusion of engagements with FIFA, CAF, Government and stakeholders to design a roadmap towards the comprehensive reforms envisaged for Nigeria football.”
The development comes amid growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons recently missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing 2-1 to South Africa in the play-off.
The Falcons had also exited the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the quarter-final stage following a defeat to Cameroon.
There have also been questions surrounding the management of a Federal Government intervention fund released to the NFF in 2024, as well as concerns raised over governance and the influence of officials in national team selection.
Following the crisis, President Bola Tinubu directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, calling for improvements in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
Gusau, who was elected NFF president in September 2022, resigned with 34 days remaining in his tenure. He said his decision was taken in the interest of Nigerian football and was intended to facilitate an “orderly reform process” to address longstanding challenges within the system.
The suspension of the election also follows opposition from some football stakeholders, who had questioned the credibility and structure of the proposed electoral process.
For now, Ikpeme is expected to oversee the NFF secretariat while the Federal Government, FIFA, CAF and other stakeholders work towards implementing the proposed reforms and determining a new electoral roadmap.
