NSC endorses former NFF deputy secretary as interim chief; September 27 election suspended pending reforms.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has endorsed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as the interim General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The development is part of sweeping interim measures introduced as the Federal Government begins a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following a string of disappointing national team performances.
The NFF, in a statement on Thursday, said Ikpeme, who previously served as Deputy General Secretary, would oversee the federation’s secretariat during the transition. Its Director of Media and Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, was also appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.
The federation further announced the suspension of all processes leading to the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27.
According to the NFF, a fresh electoral process will be launched after the completion of the planned reforms in consultation with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other football stakeholders.
The restructuring also affects the country’s major domestic leagues, with the chairmen, directors and chief executive officers of the NPFL, NNL, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One directed to hand over administrative responsibilities to their respective chief operating officers.
The NFF said the interim arrangements were necessary to ensure continuity in football administration while stakeholders develop a roadmap for comprehensive reforms.
The shake-up followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a major overhaul of Nigerian football, with emphasis on governance, administration, stakeholder representation, player development, domestic competitions and accountability.
The reform comes after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Tinubu said Nigerian football had continued to struggle despite its popularity, public support and abundant talent because of structural weaknesses within the system.
He directed the NSC chairman to work with the NFF and relevant stakeholders to maintain essential football administration while facilitating a broad reform process, including engagement with FIFA and CAF.
Ikpeme will now lead the NFF secretariat as the government and football stakeholders begin the process of restructuring the administration of Nigerian football.