NFF Denies FIFA Letter, Meets Infantino

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported letter allegedly issued by FIFA over claims of government interference in the administration of Nigerian football.

The federation, in a statement published on its X handle on Tuesday, said the document circulating in parts of the media did not originate from the world football governing body.

“The NFF has debunked news of a ‘letter’ circulating in sections of the media as being from world football governing body, FIFA. It is totally fake. FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the federation said.

The development came on the same day a Nigerian delegation comprising officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and prominent football stakeholders held talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade led the delegation to the meeting, according to a photograph shared by the NFF.

Former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick was also present at the meeting.

Discussions at the meeting centred on the ongoing reorganisation of Nigerian football, the recent change in leadership at the NFF and measures considered necessary to reposition the sport.

The engagement followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of his executive committee amid mounting concerns over the direction of Nigerian football.

Gusau, whose tenure was expected to run until September, announced his resignation at a press conference in Abuja last Thursday.

Following the development, the NFF established an interim administrative arrangement. Emmanuel Ikpeme, a former deputy general secretary, was named interim general secretary, while Ademola Olajire, the federation’s former Director of Media and Communications, became interim deputy general secretary.

The leadership crisis has also attracted the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who called for reforms in Nigerian football after what he described as “repeated failures.”

Concerns have particularly centred on the performances of the country’s national teams and the broader administration of the sport.

The Super Eagles failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second successive edition, while the Super Falcons missed out on qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition was launched in 1991.

Football stakeholders have consequently renewed calls for changes in the administration of the game, including greater attention to grassroots development.

The document rejected by the NFF had allegedly claimed that FIFA was seeking clarification over reports that Gusau resigned following a directive from the Presidency.

It also purportedly referenced FIFA statutes requiring the independence of national football associations and warned of possible sanctions, including suspension, if the Nigerian authorities failed to provide an explanation.

The NFF, however, maintained that the document was not authentic, insisting that FIFA had already accepted the resignations of the former federation officials.