FIFA will send a joint team with CAF to Abuja to review recent changes at the Nigeria Football Federation and confirm there has been no government interference.
In a letter dated Monday and signed by Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, the world body said it has not made any decisions yet on the situation and is still gathering facts. The letter was addressed to Emmanuel Ikpeme as deputy general secretary, even though the NFF had announced his promotion to acting general secretary.
As part of the “joint assessment mission,” FIFA and CAF officials will hold meetings in Abuja with three groups: the NFF administration, members of NFF electoral bodies, and representatives of the federal government and the National Sports Commission.
FIFA also confirmed it has put the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 27 on hold, along with all related activities.
The visit comes after a major shake-up on August 27. On that day, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi both resigned. Ikpeme then stepped in as interim general secretary pending reforms.
Hours later, President Bola Tinubu ordered a “comprehensive reform” of Nigerian football, citing the country’s repeated failure to qualify for major regional, continental, and global tournaments.
Tinubu asked NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to work with the NFF secretariat to lead a broad, consultative reform process. He stressed that the process must include proper engagement with FIFA and CAF to help Nigeria avoid sanctions for government interference in football administration.
A photo released with the report showed Dikko, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Ikpeme, and NFF Head of Legal Okey Obi at a meeting in Abuja.
