FIFA Accepts NFF Mass Resignations, Backs Nigeria Reform Plan

Following discussions held in Zurich on Tuesday, FIFA formally accepted resignations from Nigeria Football Federation principal officers. Former president Ibrahim Gusau and general secretary Mohammed Sanusi were among those whose departures received official recognition.

National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko spearheaded the Nigerian delegation that presented its football reform agenda to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The NFF took the opportunity to debunk claims about a purported FIFA letter seeking government clarification regarding alleged interference in federation operations.

This document, the federation maintained, was entirely fabricated. FIFA had already validated the leadership transitions and committed to backing the restructuring effort, the NFF stressed, without any threat of sanctions or suspension.

According to participants in the delegation, FIFA committed to launching a Normalisation Committee during the current week to support comprehensive reforms throughout Nigerian football. Ongoing coordination among FIFA, the revamped NFF administration, the National Sports Commission, and the Confederation of African Football will work toward establishing a development roadmap for the sport within Nigeria.

Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, confirmed during the Zurich meeting that all resignations received formal acceptance. Infantino conveyed his willingness to align FIFA's assistance with Nigeria's football vision, demonstrating the world body's commitment to facilitate the country's reform efforts rather than enforce disciplinary action during this transitional phase.