Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has resigned from office alongside members of the federation’s Executive Committee and General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, following mounting pressure over Nigeria’s recent national team failures and scrutiny of the federation’s finances.
Gusau announced his resignation at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, August 27, 2026, saying the decision followed consultations with his family, friends and stakeholders.
Gusau Announces Resignation
Explaining his decision, Gusau said his love for Nigeria and Nigerian football influenced his decision to step down.
“As Nigerians, nobody is better than this country; we all love our country and its progress… So we made consultations between family, friends, and stakeholders, and I decided to resign my position,” he said.
He also advised members of his board who wished to follow him to resign.
Gusau was elected NFF president in September 2022 at the federation’s elective congress in Benin City, Edo State, succeeding the board led by Amaju Pinnick. His tenure lasted about three years and 11 months.
National Team Results Add Pressure
The resignation comes after a difficult period for Nigerian football, with several national teams failing to secure qualification for major international competitions.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was the first time Nigeria’s senior women’s team failed to qualify for the tournament since its establishment in 1991.
Several youth and cadet teams also failed to reach continental and global competitions during the period.
NFF Faces Financial Scrutiny
The federation’s leadership has also faced scrutiny from anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Reports have also linked the federation to investigations involving the Department of State Services (DSS), particularly over the management of a ₦12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released in 2024.
The funds were intended to address outstanding wages, bonuses and allowances owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.
New Leadership Expected
Gusau’s resignation leaves the NFF facing a period of transition ahead of its next scheduled elections.
The election of a new NFF board had been scheduled for September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Reports indicate that the National Sports Commission could establish a normalisation committee to oversee the federation’s affairs pending the emergence of a new leadership.
The resignation comes as Nigerian football continues to face questions over administration, financial management and the performance of its national teams.
