NFF boss Ibrahim Gusau, scribe, board members bow out amid mass exit
By Uzor Odigbo
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the NFF Executive Committee have resigned from their positions amid growing concerns over the recent poor performances of Nigeria’s national teams.
Sanusi followed the NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, both announced their resignations on Thursday, with the NFF confirming that members of the Executive Committee had also stepped down.
Gusau’s resignation comes just 34 days before the expiration of his four-year tenure.
He was elected NFF President at the federation’s Annual General Assembly in Benin City, Edo State, on September 30, 2022.
The Zamfara-born administrator said his decision followed consultations with his family, friends and key stakeholders in Nigerian football.
He explained that the resignation was taken after careful consideration and in the overall interest of Nigerian football.
“My resignation is intended to give way to a comprehensive and orderly reform process aimed at addressing the longstanding institutional, governance and developmental challenges confronting Nigerian football.”
Speaking at a press conference at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, Gusau, who also served as President of WAFU B, said he was leaving office with satisfaction over some of the achievements recorded under his administration.
He highlighted the renewed emphasis on coaching education, with coaching courses organised across virtually all licence categories.
He also noted that the long-awaited CAF A Licence course is scheduled to begin on September 13.
Gusau further cited improvements in the domestic league calendar, progress in refereeing and the development of football infrastructure, including a 68-room Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s silver and bronze medals at the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as well as the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
However, the mass resignation comes against the backdrop of a difficult period for Nigeria’s national teams.
The Super Falcons recently failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, ending Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the tournament since its launch in China 35 years ago.
That setback followed the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while Nigeria’s U-20 men also missed out on qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The latest developments are expected to pave the way for a major leadership transition and possible reforms within the NFF
