FIFA and CAF officials have begun a detailed assessment of the crisis within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as both bodies seek to understand the legal, governance and electoral issues surrounding the federation.
The delegation began its meetings in Abuja on Monday with National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko and representatives of the NFF’s federating units.
The talks followed the mass resignation of NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and several board members on August 27.
The leadership shakeup came after growing concerns over the performance of Nigeria’s national and youth teams. The failure of the senior men’s and women’s teams to qualify for their respective World Cups also increased pressure on the federation.
The FIFA and CAF delegation includes FIFA Member Association Governance Services team lead Ahmed Harraz, FIFA Head of Member Association Governance Rolf Tanner, FIFA Regional Office for West Africa lead El Hadj Wack Diop and CAF Legal Manager Nnaemeka Olu.
Dikko first held talks with the FIFA and CAF representatives at the Abuja Continental Hotel. He briefed the delegation on the government’s proposed reform agenda for the sports sector.
Members of the NFF Congress later joined the discussions as the meeting moved into the wider issues affecting the federation.
FIFA, CAF Assess NFF Reform And Electoral Process
The assessment will focus on several key areas of the NFF crisis. These include the circumstances behind the mass resignation of the board and plans to restructure the federation’s governance.
The delegation will also examine the NFF statutes and electoral process. In addition, FIFA and CAF are expected to review the composition of the NFF Congress and consider a new timetable for an elective congress.
Another major issue is the role of the Nigerian government in the affairs of the federation.
The NFF statutes have remained a major source of concern among stakeholders. Many have called for a more inclusive federation and changes to the structure of the Congress.
The electoral process will also come under close scrutiny. FIFA and CAF want to understand the concerns raised by stakeholders and identify a lawful path toward restoring a fully functioning NFF Congress.
The wider objective is to find a lasting solution to the leadership crisis that has repeatedly created tension around NFF elections.
FIFA had already clarified last week that it had not reached any decision on the matter. The world football governing body said it had received several communications from stakeholders in Nigeria but would first complete its assessment before making any recommendations.
“The mission will allow FIFA and CAF to better understand the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF, the views of the various stakeholders and any issues that may require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulatory framework,” FIFA said in a letter sent to the NFF last week.
“Following completion of this assessment process, FIFA and CAF will determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the competent decision-making bodies within FIFA and CAF in accordance with their respective Statutes and regulations.
“Until such time, the outcome of the assessment remains open and no assumptions should be made as to any action that FIFA and CAF may or may not take.”
The ongoing engagement could therefore determine the next stage for Nigerian football administration.
For now, FIFA and CAF have not announced any final decision. However, their assessment is expected to provide clearer direction on the proposed reforms, the future leadership of the NFF and the process for restoring stability within Nigerian football.
