Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau will avoid the integrity screening facing all other candidates in the September election, giving the incumbent a built-in advantage over those seeking to unseat him.
Section 2.14 of the rules governing the 2026-2030 NFF elections excludes serving Executive Committee members who are standing for re-election from the review conducted by the Audit and Compliance Committee. Under Section 2.15, every other candidate must undergo the process and could be ruled out because of previous criminal convictions, court penalties or negative findings from the FIFA Ethics Committee or other sporting authorities.
As the current president and a candidate for a second term, Gusau falls under the exemption, while his challengers do not. He will therefore enter the contest having cleared one fewer obstacle than his rivals, as prominent figures in Nigerian football continue to voice their support for his campaign.
Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba endorsed Gusau during a radio interview, insisting that his position was based on the president’s performance and not on his membership of the NFF Technical Committee. Ikpeba pointed to football infrastructure developments in Abuja and argued that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could not be attributed solely to the federation’s leadership, saying the players also had to accept responsibility. In his view, Gusau should be given another opportunity.
Former Nigeria defender Ifeanyi Udeze, who conducted the interview, expressed his backing with greater reservations.
Udeze said he would support Gusau despite believing the federation had not achieved enough, while adding that he hoped its performance would improve.
He also urged amendments to the NFF constitution so that former internationals could have stronger representation and the same voting rights as other stakeholders. At present, the former internationals collectively hold only one vote.
Larry Izamoje, chairman of the radio station involved in the discussion, rejected the idea that a candidate’s playing career should determine his suitability for office. He argued that the election ought to focus on each contender’s programme and plans, rather than football experience, and cited FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who did not play professional football, as an example.
The election will take place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, but has been postponed by one day from Saturday, 26 September, to Sunday, 27 September 2026. Gusau said the adjustment was made to prevent a clash with the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
