The NFF board resignations have deepened the crisis surrounding Nigerian football, with Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau and several other board members stepping down.
The development follows mounting criticism over the management of the country’s national teams and growing scrutiny of the federation’s handling of government funds.
Vanguard reports that the NFF leadership had faced increasing pressure following a series of disappointing results, including Nigeria’s historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria had participated in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
That record ended after the Super Falcons lost 2-1 to South Africa in a World Cup qualification playoff.
The setback followed Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The result ended the Falcons’ title defence and forced Nigeria into the subsequent qualification playoff route.
The latest NFF board resignations also come as security agencies examine the federation’s financial affairs.
The Department of State Services, DSS, has reportedly joined investigations into the utilisation of a N17 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government.
President Bola Tinubu approved the funds in 2024 to settle outstanding wages and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.
A source told Vanguard that DSS officials were examining documents relating to the disbursement and use of the money.
“It’s a normal thing for DSS to go through all documents relating to the funds released,” the source said, dismissing concerns about a possible witch-hunt.
The investigation comes amid broader concerns about the administration of Nigerian football and the declining fortunes of the national teams.
The executive committee headed by Gusau had reportedly come under sustained pressure to resign.
The pressure intensified following the poor performances of the national teams and the departure of several members of the federation’s leadership.
According to reports, eight of the 13 members of the NFF board have now allegedly resigned.
The development could have significant implications for the federation’s leadership structure and its planned electoral process.
The NFF had scheduled its next board elections for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The NFF board resignations therefore raise questions over whether the scheduled election will proceed as planned or whether the latest leadership crisis will force changes to the electoral timetable.
