The NFF rejected FIFA’s alleged threat of sanctions, insisting that football reforms would continue as planned

The Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, has denied a FIFA letter stating that Nigeria faces possible suspension from international football over claims of government interference in the country’s football administration affairs.

The federation described the document, which has been circulating in some media, as fake and stressed that FIFA had issued no such threats against Nigeria.

The controversial letter states that FIFA is demanding an explanation for the resignation of former NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and may impose sanctions if it is discovered that his resignation was influenced by pressure from the Federal Government.

But the NFF, in its reaction on Tuesday, dismissed the purported communications as “completely false.”

The federation stated that FIFA is fully aware of recent developments within the NFF and has accepted the resignation of Gusau, former Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi and member of the federation’s Executive Committee.

“FIFA has accepted the resignation of a former principal official and Member of the NFF Exco,” the federation said.

According to the football body, current developments must be understood in the broader context of efforts to reform and change the position of Nigerian football.

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The NFF said relevant stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission, NSC, NFF administration, Confederation of African Football, CAF and FIFA, have engaged in consultations aimed at developing a comprehensive reform agenda.

He added that “mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration and CAF is ongoing with FIFA regarding the comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, including agreeing a roadmap forward in accordance with the rulebook and relevant laws.”

This clarification comes after the resignation of Gusau, Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee on August 27.

Gusau, who assumes the role of NFF president in 2022, said his decision to step down was intended to create an opportunity for a comprehensive and orderly reform process to address long-standing governance, institutional and development challenges facing Nigerian football.

Following the mass resignations, the National Sports Commission endorsed Emmanuel Ikpeme, former Deputy Secretary General of the NFF, to oversee the federation secretariat as interim Secretary General.

Ademola Olajire was also appointed as interim Deputy Secretary General.

The federation subsequently postponed preparations for its election congress, and a new election process is expected to take place after the completion of reforms being carried out in consultation with FIFA and CAF.

The NFF said its latest clarification was necessary given the claims contained in the alleged FIFA letter, particularly the suggestion that Nigeria had been given immediate warning over government interference.

The correspondence also claims that FIFA is seeking clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s resignation and may refer the matter to the Board if a satisfactory explanation is not provided.

They further alleged that Nigeria risks suspension from FIFA and CAF activities, with the possible appointment of a Normalization Committee to take over the administration of Nigerian football.

However, the NFF rejected the claims and urged stakeholders to focus on the ongoing engagement between FIFA, CAF, the National Sports Commission and the NFF administration.

The federation said the aim of the consultations was to agree on a clear roadmap for comprehensive reform of Nigerian football in line with relevant laws and regulations.

These developments come at a challenging period for Nigerian football, with growing concerns regarding the administration of the game and the recent performance of the country’s national team.

Pressure for reform has increased following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ inability to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

With the NFF now categorically rejecting FIFA’s alleged fake sanctions letter, attention is expected to turn to ongoing reform discussions as stakeholders work with international football bodies to chart a new course for Nigerian football.