FIFA Accepts Mass Resignations at NFF as Talks on Nigeria Football Reforms Continue

FIFA has formally accepted the mass resignations of principal officers of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), while discussions continue on a comprehensive roadmap to reform and restructure Nigerian football.

The development followed a meeting held on Tuesday at FIFA House in Zurich, Switzerland, involving representatives of FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the NFF administration.

According to the NFF Communications Department, the meeting agreed that engagements would continue to fine-tune a roadmap for the implementation of reforms across the short, medium and long term.

The process is also expected to pave the way for the emergence of an inclusive new NFF administration, supported by an enabling environment that promotes peace, stability and effective football administration.

The ultimate objective, according to the parties involved, is to create a properly structured football system capable of delivering sustainable success both on and off the pitch.

The Nigerian delegation was led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and included NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick OFR, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, and NFF Director of Legal Services Okey Obi Esq.

Pinnick attended in his official capacity as Special Adviser to the CAF President and Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Men’s National Teams’ Competitions Committee.

Representing CAF was Second Vice President Kurt-Okraku, while FIFA’s Director of Member Associations (Africa), Gelson Fernandes, also participated in the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the various stakeholders would continue working with FIFA to ensure the reform process is conducted within the established football regulations and statutes.

“Mutual engagement among the National Sports Commission, the NFF administration and the Confederation of African Football is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigeria football, including agreeing a roadmap going forward in accordance with the relevant rules, regulations and Statutes,” Dikko stated.

He expressed confidence that the process would ultimately produce a stronger and better-organised football administration in Nigeria.

“There is no doubt Nigeria Football will emerge much better and properly-structured after the conclusion of this process,” he added.

The latest development comes amid growing calls for fundamental changes to the administration and development of Nigerian football.

While FIFA’s acceptance of the resignations clears an important stage in the current leadership crisis, the next phase will focus on agreeing the reform roadmap and determining how a new, inclusive NFF administration will emerge in accordance with FIFA, CAF and Nigerian football regulations.