Ibrahim Musa Gusau has resigned as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after a period in which the country’s men’s, women’s and youth national teams suffered a series of World Cup qualification setbacks.
Leadership changes at the NFF
- Gusau declared his departure at a Thursday news conference in Abuja, explaining that he had reached the decision after discussions with relatives, friends and football stakeholders.
- He said national interests had to come before any individual, adding that those involved in running Nigerian football needed to examine their position and consider the next step. He said extensive consultations had preceded the decision.
- Gusau also urged members of the NFF board to resign, although he admitted he did not know whether they would accept that recommendation.
- Several minutes later, the federation announced on its official X platform that its general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, had resigned as well.
The National Sports Commission is understood to be preparing to name a chairman for a Normalisation Committee that would take charge of the federation’s operations. The appointment is expected to be announced shortly.
Gusau won the NFF presidency in 2022, but his mandate was scheduled to expire this month. An elective congress had been planned for 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Whether that gathering will proceed is now unclear while the proposed committee’s creation remains pending.
Results that intensified the pressure
Discontent with Gusau’s administration had grown over several months as Nigeria’s national sides struggled to deliver results. The Super Eagles failed to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, meaning Nigeria will miss a second successive tournament even though Africa has been awarded more qualification places.
The situation worsened when the Super Falcons were eliminated from contention for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. That result ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition since the competition began in 1991, with South Africa securing a 2-1 victory over the Falcons in the African play-off held in Morocco.
Nigeria’s youth teams also endured disappointment, as the under-17 team failed to qualify for its corresponding World Cup tournament.
