The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme as Interim General Secretary following the resignation of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and the Federation’s Executive Committee, Trybal News reports.
The decision, endorsed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), sees Ikpeme, who previously served as Deputy General Secretary, assume responsibility for overseeing the NFF Secretariat during the transition period.
In a related development, Dr. Ademola Olajire has been appointed Interim Deputy General Secretary after serving as the Federation’s Director of Media and Communications.
As part of the ongoing restructuring, all preparations for the NFF Elective Congress originally scheduled for 27 September have been suspended. According to the NSC, a fresh electoral process will commence only after a comprehensive reform programme is concluded in consultation with FIFA and CAF.
The reforms also extend to Nigeria’s domestic leagues. Chairmen, appointed Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers. Where a COO is not an NFF staff member, the Acting General Secretary will appoint a replacement from within the Federation.
The interim measures are aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in the administration of Nigerian football while discussions continue with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other stakeholders on a roadmap for wide-ranging governance reforms.
Further directives regarding the transition are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
