ICYMI: Why I resigned as NFF boss — Gusau

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on Thursday resigned from office after three years and 11 months’ reign.

He made this known while addressing the press in Abuja, adding that he consulted widely before taking the decision.

Gusau, who stated that he was leaving the NFF better than he met it, recalled the progress recorded in many areas despite constraints faced by his administration.

“After consultation with family, friends and stakeholders, I just want to tell you that I’ve decided to resign my position. I have also advised my board members to resign. These three years and eleven months did not just come like that.

“At least, we have something that we can tell Nigerians and the world that we have achieved for the little opportunity we had during this period. The last one we are going to do is the CAF A Licence training, which has not been taking place for the past eight years and that will commence on the 16th of September. Everything has been concluded about it.

“By the grace of God, I hope I can continue to give my contributions because the experience and relationships we have within African football will never go in vain. Whenever we are needed to contribute to the progress of Nigerian football, we will do our best,” he said.

The former Zamfara FA boss also informed the media about stability in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) saying the commencement date of the League has not only added its credibility, but has also restored greater certainty to the football calendar as is the case in Europe and other leagues across the globe.

He expressed regrets over the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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Meanwhile, there are reports that the next NFF boss could emerge from the South West as four names have already being pencilled in by the powers that be for a seamless transition.

The NFF Executive Congress is already scheduled for September 27, 2026 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football to overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.

“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” he said.

The President noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress since the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football has continued to struggle because of structural weaknesses within the system.

“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that Nigerian football must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.

President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration and facilitate a broad, consultative reform process.

The process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.

The President called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.

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