FIFA and CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, Plan Joint Assessment Mission to Nigeria

In a letter dated 7 September 2026 and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA said it and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are currently assessing the situation surrounding the NFF following a series of developments and communications from football stakeholders in Nigeria.

The letter specifically refers to notifications concerning the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, as well as additional correspondence received from other stakeholders.

FIFA and CAF also referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 1 September, involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

NFF electoral process requested to stay suspended

The biggest immediate development is FIFA and CAF's request that the ongoing NFF electoral process be suspended.

The two football governing bodies have requested that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the electoral process until further notice.

FIFA said the request is intended to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment of the current situation and engage with the relevant stakeholders.

However, FIFA made clear that the request should not be interpreted as a ruling on the validity of the actions, decisions, processes or positions put forward by any of the stakeholders.

The letter also stresses that FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and that no determination has been made regarding potential next steps.

FIFA and CAF plan Abuja assessment mission

FIFA and CAF also announced plans to conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja, Nigeria, at the earliest possible opportunity.

The purpose of the mission is to engage directly with relevant stakeholders and gather the information required to enable FIFA and CAF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the NFF situation.

Among those expected to meet with the FIFA-CAF mission are:

• Representatives of the NFF administration

• Representatives of NFF Members

• Representatives of the NFF electoral bodies

• Representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria

• Representatives of the National Sports Commission (NSC)

The NFF has been asked to assist with coordinating the logistics of the mission and facilitating meetings with the various stakeholders.

What FIFA and CAF are investigating

According to the letter, the assessment will seek to provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF.

FIFA and CAF will consider the views of the different stakeholders and examine issues that may require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulatory frameworks.

The process therefore goes beyond the electoral timetable and includes broader questions relating to the federation's legal, governance and administrative situation.

No final decision yet

Despite the suspension request, FIFA and CAF have not announced a final decision on the future of the NFF or its electoral process.

The letter states that after completing the assessment, FIFA and CAF will determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the competent decision-making bodies within FIFA and CAF.

Until that assessment is completed, FIFA and CAF stressed that the outcome remains open and that no assumptions should be made about what action they may or may not take.

For now, the immediate position is clear: the NFF electoral process is to remain suspended while FIFA and CAF assess the situation and prepare a joint mission to Abuja.

The outcome of that assessment could determine the next stage in resolving the leadership, governance and electoral uncertainty surrounding Nigerian football.