FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process as they begin a joint review of the leadership and governance crisis affecting Nigerian football.
The directive was communicated in a letter dated September 7, 2026, following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
With the resignations throwing the federation’s leadership structure into uncertainty, FIFA and CAF have placed the planned electoral process on hold pending a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
The two football governing bodies are expected to examine the legal, administrative and electoral implications of the developments before determining the next steps.
A joint assessment mission is also expected in Abuja, where FIFA and CAF representatives will meet relevant stakeholders and review the circumstances surrounding the leadership changes and the electoral process.
As a result of the directive, the proposed NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, cannot proceed for now.
The suspension comes at a sensitive time for Nigerian football, with questions being raised over the stability and legal framework surrounding the federation’s planned elections.
However, FIFA and CAF have reportedly made it clear that their intervention does not amount to a final determination on the crisis.
Any decision regarding the resumption of the election, changes to the electoral process or additional measures against the NFF will depend on the findings of the joint assessment.
For now, the NFF electoral calendar remains suspended while the international football bodies work with stakeholders to determine a way forward.
