Nigerian sports authorities and key football stakeholders have met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland, amid a leadership crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), alongside other stakeholders, held discussions with Infantino on Tuesday following recent developments that resulted in the resignation of the NFF board led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
It is understood that the meeting is focused on the ongoing reform of Nigerian football, the circumstances surrounding the recent leadership changes and the steps required to ensure the country’s football administration remains in line with FIFA regulations.
The engagement comes barely hours after FIFA issued a seven-day deadline to the NFF and the Federal Government to explain the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s resignation.
FIFA had warned that Nigeria could be suspended from its competitions and those organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) if the explanation provided by Nigerian authorities fails to address its concerns.
The world football governing body said it had “taken note with great concern” of reports that Gusau’s resignation followed a directive from the Presidency.
FIFA’s concerns are linked to its statutes requiring national football associations to operate independently and without interference from governments or other third parties. The organisation specifically cited Articles 13, 14 and 19 of its statutes in raising the issue.
The Zurich meeting therefore provides an opportunity for Nigerian officials to engage directly with FIFA leadership as the country seeks to implement its proposed reforms without triggering sanctions.
The Nigerian delegation included NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, Director-General Bukola Olopade and other important figures in Nigerian football. Former NFF President and former FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick also attended the meeting.
The engagement was described by the Nigerian delegation as “very fruitful”, with both sides discussing what was described as critical issues affecting the future of football administration in Nigeria.
Further details of the reform programme and the outcome of the discussions with FIFA are expected to be made public soon.
Nigerian Sports Chiefs Meet FIFA President Amid Suspension Threat
The meeting follows a major shake-up within the NFF after Gusau, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the federation’s Executive Committee resigned on August 27.
Their departures resulted in the suspension of the NFF elective congress, which had been scheduled for September 27 in Lafia. Gusau had been widely expected to retain his position, having been considered the leading candidate for the election.
In response to the leadership changes, the NSC endorsed Emmanuel Ikpeme, a former NFF Deputy General Secretary, as interim General Secretary to oversee the federation’s secretariat during the transition. Ademola Olajire, a former NFF Director of Media and Communications, was also elevated to Deputy General Secretary.
The restructuring followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football. The President had asked Shehu Dikko to work with the NFF secretariat and other stakeholders to address longstanding concerns over the administration, development and governance of the sport.
Tinubu said the reform should deal with fundamental weaknesses within the football system.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” the President said.
He also expressed concern that Nigeria had continued to struggle in football despite the sport’s enormous popularity and the significant public and government support it receives.
“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said.
The NFF subsequently announced that its suspended electoral process would only resume after the proposed reforms had been completed and consultations held with FIFA and CAF.
“A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF,” the federation said.
The post JUST IN: Nigerian Sports Chiefs Meet FIFA President Amid Suspension Threat appeared first on Politics Nigeria.
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