NFF Denies FIFA Letter Amid Leadership Changes

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports of a letter from FIFA demanding clarification over alleged government interference in its affairs, labeling the letter as fake. The NFF stated that FIFA had accepted the resignations of former principal officers and members of its executive committee.

This denial coincided with a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, where a Nigerian delegation, led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, met FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick also attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on the restructuring of Nigerian football and recent leadership changes, including the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who stepped down amid scrutiny over the state of Nigerian football. Following his resignation, the NFF appointed an interim administrative structure with Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim general secretary and Ademola Olajire as interim deputy general secretary.

President Bola Tinubu has called for reforms in Nigerian football due to repeated failures, including the Super Eagles missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons failing to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.