RismadarVoice Reporters
September 8, 2026
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have clarified that they have not reached any decision on the proposed reforms to Nigeria’s football administration, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that an agreement had been reached.
The clarification was contained in an email dated September 7 and addressed to Barrister Emmanuel Ikpeme by Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer.
FIFA said it was working with CAF to examine the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the ongoing developments within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,” the email stated.
It added that the assessment would require a review of relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions presented by the various stakeholders.
“At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,” FIFA said.
FIFA also directed that the ongoing NFF electoral process be suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken until further notice.
The world football governing body explained that the request was intended to preserve the existing situation while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment.
It stressed that the directive should not be interpreted as a determination on the validity of any decisions, actions, processes or positions advanced by the parties involved.
FIFA further recognised Ikpeme as the Deputy General Secretary of the NFF, rather than Acting General Secretary, and requested that he remain the primary contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.
FIFA said it and CAF would conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest opportunity to engage stakeholders and gather information required to fully understand the situation.
The planned meetings are expected to involve representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
FIFA asked Ikpeme to assist with logistical arrangements and facilitate meetings with the relevant stakeholders.
According to the organisation, the mission will help FIFA and CAF establish the circumstances surrounding recent developments within the NFF, obtain the views of the various stakeholders and identify issues requiring further consideration under FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.
FIFA said that after completing the assessment, it and CAF would determine whether recommendations or proposals should be presented to the appropriate decision-making bodies within the two football governing organisations.
