NFF election uncertainty deepens as stakeholders kick

Uncertainty surrounds the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) planned September 27 elective congress, as stakeholders voice opposition and call for reforms. Criticism has intensified following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons' missed opportunity for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, leading to calls for change within the federation.

“

The NFF election cannot stand because there is a matter before the court. If you have not resolved the issues around the election in 2022, will you be talking about another election? Those amendments need to be addressed.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, seeking a second term after his election in 2022, faces growing opposition. Former Nigeria Premier Football League chairman Rumson Baribote questioned the election's credibility, citing a pending court case and unresolved issues from the 2022 election. He argued that the current voting structure unfairly advantages state football associations over other federating units, advocating for equal votes for all units.

“

The same way the state FAs have offices in 36 states and the FCT, the referees’ association, players’ representatives, coaches and other bodies also have representatives across the states. So why are they making the FAs superior to others? The best bet is to give all the federating units an equal number of votes.

Harrison Jalla, former international and Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reforms Initiative, called for government intervention, stating the election process is already sub judice. He criticized the "State Football Association chairmen" for allegedly hijacking Nigerian football since 2008, claiming they lack the capacity to advance the sport. Jalla warned that without intervention in the administrative crisis and corruption, self-help could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

“

The election is already sub judice before the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/1120/2026 and the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1755/2026, with demands for reforms and the enforcement of pending court judgments.

Stakeholders are demanding reforms and the enforcement of pending court judgments before any election proceeds. They argue that the current process is predetermined and only benefits those already entrenched in the system. The call for government intervention highlights a deep-seated administrative crisis within Nigerian football, with fears of further deterioration if not addressed promptly.

“

The group that hijacked Nigerian football since 2008, the State Football Association chairmen, has shown clearly over the years that they lack the capacity to move Nigerian football forward, simply because they cannot give what they do not have.