FIFA, CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, Plan Joint Mission to Nigeria

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process as the international football bodies begin an assessment of the leadership crisis engulfing Nigerian football. The directive was contained in a letter dated September 7, 2026, signed by FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, and addressed to NFF Acting Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme. FIFA and CAF said they are examining the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from recent developments within the NFF. The review follows the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee, as well as communications received from various football stakeholders. The bodies also referenced a September 1 meeting in Zurich involving FIFA, CAF, NFF officials and representatives of the Federal Government. September 27 Election Put on Hold As part of the intervention, FIFA and CAF instructed the NFF not to take further steps or make decisions relating to the electoral process until their assessment is completed. The NFF had been preparing for an elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, but the electoral process will now remain on hold pending further notice. FIFA and CAF said the suspension is intended to preserve the status quo while they review the relevant facts, examine the NFF's regulatory framework and consult the various stakeholders involved. Joint Mission to Abuja The two football governing bodies also announced plans to send a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest opportunity. The mission is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation's electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission. Emmanuel Ikpeme has been designated as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF during the assessment. Importantly, FIFA and CAF stated that they have not reached any conclusions regarding the issues under review and have not determined what further action, if any, may be taken. The organisations also stressed that the suspension should not be interpreted as a final determination on the validity of decisions, actions or positions taken by any of the parties involved. The development adds another layer to the leadership crisis within Nigerian football, with the outcome of the FIFA-CAF assessment likely to determine the next steps toward resolving the NFF's electoral and governance disputes. Source: Premium Times Nigeria — September 8, 2026. Editorial note: This report is based on information contained in the FIFA/CAF communication as reported by Premium Times. The international bodies have not made a final determination on the underlying NFF disputes.