NFF crisis: Gbenga Elegbeleye and George Aluo sacked as NPFL and NNL presidents

Nigeria’s football administration has been plunged into further uncertainty following the directive for officials of the country’s domestic leagues to hand over their responsibilities amid sweeping changes at the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

NPFL President Gbenga Elegbeleye and NNL President George Aluo are among the league administrators affected by the directive issued following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee.

The NFF announced that the Presidents, Designated Directors and Chief Executive Officers of NPFL, NNL, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been instructed to hand over the management of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers (COO).

Where the existing Director of Operations is not a member of the NFF staff, the Acting Secretary-General of the NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, will deploy a new Director of Operations within the Federation.

This development effectively removes Elegbeleye and Aluo from the day-to-day administration of the NPFL and NNL respectively, as the Federation moves to an interim structure pending the completion of planned reforms.

Elegbeleye’s dismissal comes shortly after the NPFL gained a major commercial boost with historic association Euromatch as the league’s new official sponsor.

For Aluo, the directive comes as the NNL prepares for its 2026/27 season, with clubs in the second-tier competition also preparing for the new campaign.

The NFF said the interim measures are aimed at ensuring continuity in the administration of Nigerian football as the government, FIFA, CAF and stakeholders work towards comprehensive reforms.

The directive also follows the suspension of the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27, with a new electoral process expected after the reforms.

The latest development marks a major shake-up of Nigeria’s national football administration, and the immediate impact on the NPFL and NNL is now being closely watched by clubs, stakeholders and fans.