FIFA and CAF Delegation Push for NFF Reforms in Abuja

A joint delegation from FIFA and CAF is currently in Abuja to assess the governance crisis at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This week, they met with key stakeholders, resulting in a rare alignment among the players’ union, coaches’ association, and referees’ body on reform demands.

The crisis stems from dissatisfaction with the NFF's administration, highlighted by the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons' inability to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Following these failures, NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau resigned in August, along with the federation's leadership.

FIFA has accepted these resignations and is collaborating with CAF and Nigeria’s National Sports Commission to develop a reform roadmap. The FIFA-CAF team conducted separate meetings with various stakeholders, including past NFF leadership and players’ union representatives.

Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Advocacy for Football Reform, stated that stakeholders are advocating for equal representation and voting rights within the NFF Congress and emphasized that any normalization process should be stakeholder-driven.