NFF President Gusau to face media in Abuja over election row, resignation claims

Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau is scheduled to address the media in Abuja on Thursday amid mounting questions over the federation’s September elective congress and reports of pressure on the current leadership.

The briefing is set for noon at NFF headquarters, Sunday Dankaro Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Gusau is expected to respond to claims that the National Sports Commission (NSC) could halt the September 27 elective congress and install a normalisation committee to oversee the federation ahead of a fresh election. The NSC has not confirmed reports that the Federal Government directed Gusau and his board to resign, though it has acknowledged ongoing consultations over issues affecting Nigerian football.

Unconfirmed reports have also suggested that up to nine NFF Executive Committee members have considered resigning. The NFF has not officially confirmed any such development.

The congress, scheduled for Lafia, Nasarawa State, was moved from September 26 to September 27 to allow candidates and stakeholders time to travel from Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on September 25, according to the NFF.

Candidate screening runs from August 27 to 30, with a cleared list due August 31. The final list is expected September 11–12, with campaigning set for September 14–24.

Speculation had also surrounded Gusau’s whereabouts, with claims he was avoiding possible Department of State Services action. He appeared publicly in Abuja on Wednesday at the unveiling of the Nigeria Premier Football League’s rebrand and a new three-year, $7.5 million title sponsorship with EuroMatch, worth $2.5 million per season, of which 60 per cent will go to participating clubs.

Gusau may also face questions on the national teams’ status and the NFF’s relations with government authorities.