NFF Denies Fake FIFA Letter on Government Interference

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims of a fake letter purportedly from FIFA, which allegedly demanded clarification on government interference following the resignation of former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau. The NFF stated that FIFA had already accepted the resignations of its former principal officers and executive committee members.

In a statement on September 1, the NFF labeled the circulating document as entirely fake. This denial coincided with a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, where a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, met FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Discussions focused on restructuring Nigerian football and recent leadership changes at the NFF. Gusau confirmed his resignation on August 27, with an interim structure established, appointing Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim general secretary and Ademola Olajire as interim deputy general secretary.

The NFF faces scrutiny due to the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons' failure to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, prompting President Bola Tinubu to call for reforms.