RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected a purported communication allegedly issued by FIFA warning that Nigeria could face sanctions over claims of government interference in the administration of the country’s football.
The document, which was circulated by some media outlets, reportedly suggested that Nigeria could be suspended from FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions if the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau was found to have resulted from pressure by the Federal Government.
The NFF, however, described the purported letter as “totally fake”, insisting that it did not come from FIFA.
In a statement published on its official social media account on Tuesday, the federation said FIFA had already formally acknowledged the resignations of Gusau, former NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The federation said the situation should be considered as part of a broader process aimed at reforming Nigerian football.
“FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the NFF stated.
It added that discussions involving the National Sports Commission (NSC), NFF, CAF and FIFA were already underway to establish a comprehensive reform programme and agree on a roadmap for the future administration of Nigerian football.
The clarification comes days after Gusau, Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee resigned from their positions on August 27.
Gusau, who became NFF president in 2022, said his decision to step aside was intended to facilitate an orderly reform process capable of addressing what he described as longstanding institutional, governance and developmental problems within Nigerian football.
Following the resignations, the NSC backed former NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme to oversee the federation’s secretariat in an interim capacity. Ademola Olajire was also appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.
The NFF subsequently halted preparations for its planned elective congress. A new electoral process is expected to take place after the ongoing reform programme, which is being conducted in consultation with FIFA and CAF.
Alleged FIFA warning
The disputed document had reportedly claimed that FIFA was seeking an explanation over the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s departure.
It further alleged that failure to provide satisfactory clarification could result in the matter being taken before the FIFA Council.
According to the purported letter, Nigeria could then face suspension from FIFA and CAF competitions, with a Normalisation Committee potentially appointed to oversee the country’s football administration.
The NFF’s latest statement directly contradicts those claims, maintaining that no such FIFA warning was issued.
The federation instead urged stakeholders and the public to focus on the ongoing consultations between FIFA, CAF, the NSC and the NFF administration as efforts continue to develop a framework for reform.
The controversy comes at a difficult period for Nigerian football, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
