NFF dismisses purported FIFA warning, delegation meets Infantino

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has rejected a purported FIFA letter circulating in the media over alleged government interference in the administration of Nigerian football, describing the document as fake.

The federation made its position known on Tuesday through a statement on its official X handle, saying the document did not emanate from FIFA, the world football governing body.

According to the NFF, FIFA had already accepted the resignations of former members of its executive committee, including the federation’s former principal officers.

The denial came as a Nigerian delegation held discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland, on the state of football administration in the country.

The delegation was led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and its Director-General, Bukola Olopade. Former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick, also attended the meeting.

A photograph of the meeting was shared by the NFF, which said the discussions focused on the ongoing restructuring of Nigerian football, the recent leadership changes within the federation and steps required to reposition the game.

The engagement followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of his executive committee amid growing concerns about the management and performance of Nigerian football.

Gusau, whose tenure was originally expected to end in September, announced his resignation at a press conference in Abuja last Thursday.

In the aftermath, the NFF put an interim administrative structure in place, appointing former Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary and former Director of Media and Communications Ademola Olajire as interim Deputy General Secretary.

The changes have also drawn the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who has demanded reforms in Nigerian football following what he described as repeated failures.

The pressure for reform has intensified over the performance of Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, missing the tournament for a second consecutive edition.

The Super Falcons also suffered a major setback after failing to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition began in 1991.

Against this backdrop, stakeholders have increased calls for a fundamental overhaul of football administration, with grassroots development, player development and stronger institutional management among the issues being raised.

The purported FIFA document had claimed that the world football body was seeking clarification over allegations that Gusau’s resignation followed a directive from the Presidency.

It also purportedly cited FIFA’s requirement for national football associations to operate independently and warned that failure by Nigerian authorities to explain the circumstances could result in sanctions, including suspension.

The NFF, however, dismissed the claims, maintaining that the circulating letter was fabricated and did not represent FIFA’s position.

The federation’s denial coincided with the meeting between Nigerian football stakeholders and Infantino, providing a fresh indication of ongoing engagement with FIFA as Nigeria seeks to address the leadership and performance challenges confronting its football administration.