Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau will face the media in Abuja on Thursday as scrutiny intensifies over the federation’s September election congress and alleged pressure on its leadership.
Quick facts
- Media briefing: noon on Thursday at NFF headquarters in Abuja
- Elective congress: September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State
- Screening: August 27–30, with the cleared candidates’ list due on August 31
- Campaign period: September 14–24
- NPFL title deal: $7.5 million over three years, with 60 per cent allocated to clubs
The briefing is due to begin at 12 p.m. at the NFF headquarters, Sunday Dankaro Package B, inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Gusau is expected to address suggestions that the National Sports Commission may stop the September 27 congress and appoint a normalisation committee before a new election. The NSC has not verified claims that the Federal Government ordered Gusau and his board to step down, but it has confirmed that discussions are continuing on matters involving Nigerian football.
There have also been unverified reports that as many as nine members of the NFF Executive Committee were weighing resignation. The federation has made no formal announcement confirming that development.
The electoral congress will take place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, after being shifted by one day from September 26. The NFF said the change was made to give candidates and other stakeholders time to return from Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on September 25.
Candidate checks are scheduled for August 27 to 30, followed by publication of the approved names on August 31. The definitive candidate list is expected on September 11 or 12, while campaigning will run from September 14 through 24.
Questions had also emerged about Gusau’s location, amid claims that he was staying away because of possible action by the Department of State Services. He appeared in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of the Nigeria Premier Football League’s new identity and a three-year title sponsorship agreement with EuroMatch worth $7.5 million, or $2.5 million per season. Sixty per cent of the sponsorship revenue will be distributed to participating clubs.
The NFF president could also be pressed on the condition of Nigeria’s national teams and the federation’s dealings with government bodies.
