Football governing bodies begin assessment of crisis rocking Nigeria Football Federation
World football governing body, FIFA, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to immediately suspend its ongoing electoral process, pending a comprehensive assessment of the current situation within the federation.
The directive was contained in an official letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ikpeme.
FIFA and CAF said the decision followed various communications received concerning recent developments within the NFF, including notifications relating to the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, as well as correspondence from other football stakeholders in Nigeria.
The two international football bodies also referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1, involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, where the prevailing situation in the federation was discussed.
According to the letter, FIFA and CAF are currently examining the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the circumstances within the NFF.
The organisations stressed that their assessment involves a careful review of relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions presented by various stakeholders.
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“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,” the letter stated.
As part of efforts to maintain effective communication and coordination during the assessment, FIFA and CAF designated the NFF Deputy General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.
More significantly, the football authorities instructed that the ongoing electoral process within the NFF be suspended.
They further directed that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the electoral process until further notice.
FIFA and CAF explained that the request was aimed at preserving the status quo while they complete their assessment and engage with relevant stakeholders.
The international football bodies, however, clarified that the directive should not be interpreted as a determination on the validity of any decisions, actions, processes, positions or interpretations advanced by any stakeholder in relation to the current situation.
The development is expected to have significant implications for the NFF’s current administrative and electoral arrangements, as FIFA and CAF continue consultations with the relevant parties before deciding on the next course of action.
