The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, says FIFA has backed Nigeria’s proposed reforms of the country’s football administration and may establish a normalisation committee to oversee the process.
Dikko made the disclosure after meeting with officials of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football in Switzerland on Friday.
According to him, the discussions followed the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation president, Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the NFF Executive Committee.
The resignations created a leadership vacuum within the federation and prompted discussions over how to restructure the administration of Nigerian football.
FIFA backs proposed reforms
Dikko said the Nigerian government presented its proposals for comprehensive reforms to FIFA and CAF.
He explained that the proposed changes would address longstanding concerns about the structure and administration of football in Nigeria.
According to Dikko, FIFA endorsed the resignations and agreed that reforms should proceed, while stressing that the process must comply with the relevant statutes and regulations.
Earlier in September, FIFA had confirmed that it accepted the resignations of the NFF’s principal officers and would continue working with Nigerian football authorities and CAF on a roadmap for reforms.
Normalisation committee may oversee transition
Dikko said FIFA could establish a normalisation committee if that becomes part of the agreed reform process.
He explained that such a committee would be appointed by FIFA, rather than being created solely by the Nigerian government.
The committee would have clearly defined responsibilities and a specific timeline for completing its assignment.
Dikko said the proposed tenure could range from about six months to one year, depending on the reforms eventually agreed upon by stakeholders.
He also said members of the committee would need to remain independent of the NFF electoral process.
Stakeholder consultation continues
The reform process follows FIFA and CAF consultations with different groups within Nigerian football.
Earlier discussions produced differing views over whether a normalisation committee was necessary. Some NFF stakeholders had argued that the existing Congress could address the leadership vacuum, while other groups supported a normalisation process.
Dikko said the government’s objective was to undertake a comprehensive reform rather than simply replace individuals in the football administration.
The process is expected to determine the structure of the NFF, the transition arrangements and the pathway toward a new elected administration.
