The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports claiming that it has joined calls for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down.
The federation made its position clear in a statement published on its official X account on Saturday, describing the reports circulating on social media as false.
“Contrary to reports, especially on social media, @thenff has never asked and is not asking for @FIFAcom President, Mr. Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA PRESIDENT,” the NFF stated.
“This is outright falsehood. Kindly disregard.”
The clarification comes amid growing criticism of Infantino following FIFA’s controversial proposal to raise about $4.2 billion through a new commercial entity that would involve selling stakes in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other major competitions.
The proposal, reportedly involving potential private investors, faced strong opposition from several football stakeholders over concerns about transparency, consultation and the concentration of power within FIFA.
UEFA and other football associations and confederations had reportedly expressed concerns over the plan, which FIFA subsequently abandoned following widespread opposition.
Amid the controversy, social media reports claimed that the NFF had aligned with European football authorities in demanding Infantino’s removal.
However, the Nigerian federation has now firmly rejected the reports.
The NFF has previously expressed support for Infantino’s leadership. In February, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised the FIFA president for what he described as a decade of transformative leadership.
The Nigerian federation also submitted a letter of nomination and support for Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president at the 2027 election.
With the latest statement, the NFF has reiterated that it does not support calls for Infantino to resign and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
