Nigeria Judo Federation Faces Suspension Over Elections

The Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) risks suspension from international competition as the International Judo Federation (IJF) has ordered the NJF to conduct new elections by the end of September 2026. This directive, communicated in a letter dated August 13, 2026, from IJF Secretary General Dr. Lisa Allan to NJF President Dr. Musa Oshodi, follows months of conflicting reports regarding the legitimacy of the NJF's election held on September 11, 2025.

While the Nigerian National Olympic Committee endorsed this election, the National Sports Commission later annulled it, prompting the IJF to declare it invalid. The IJF emphasized that it would not recognize the current leadership until a credible electoral process is completed.

Additionally, a letter from NJF stakeholders indicated that IJF President Marius Vizer insisted on genuine elections, not mere selections. Oshodi acknowledged the IJF's directive but stated that elections could only occur after the revised constitution is approved.

National coach Sule Musa confirmed awareness of the IJF's directive among judokas.