FIFA, CAF halt NFF election as joint mission set to assess crisis

FIFA and CAF have halted the Nigeria Football Federation’s electoral process as they assess the governance crisis triggered by the recent resignation of key members of the federation’s leadership, Made In Africa Sport.

In a letter dated 7 September 2026, FIFA said it and CAF were reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the developments at the NFF.

The intervention follows the resignation of the NFF president, members of the Executive Committee and General Secretary, leaving the federation facing uncertainty over its administration and planned leadership transition.

FIFA and CAF said their assessment was still ongoing and that no decision had been reached on the appropriate way forward.

As part of the interim measures, the two bodies directed that “no further steps or decisions” be taken in connection with the NFF electoral process until further notice.

The directive effectively puts the planned NFF election on hold while FIFA and CAF examine the circumstances surrounding the leadership changes.

The two governing bodies said their immediate priority was to establish the facts and assess the legal and regulatory implications before deciding on the next steps.

FIFA, CAF plan Abuja mission

FIFA and CAF are also preparing a joint assessment mission to Abuja as part of their intervention.

The delegation is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, members of the federation, the electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission.

According to the letter, the mission will “gather the information necessary” for FIFA and CAF to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation.

The assessment will allow the two bodies to hear from the various stakeholders involved in the dispute and examine the circumstances surrounding the decisions and actions that have led to the current crisis.

FIFA and CAF also stressed that their intervention should not be interpreted as a ruling in favour of any of the parties involved.

They said the assessment did not constitute a determination on the validity of decisions or actions taken by any stakeholder.

Ikpeme named contact

FIFA and CAF have designated NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme as the primary point of contact between the federation and the two international governing bodies during the assessment.

Ikpeme will coordinate communication with FIFA and CAF as the joint mission prepares to engage stakeholders in Abuja.

The intervention leaves the NFF electoral process suspended pending the outcome of the assessment.

The federation is expected to maintain its administrative operations while FIFA and CAF establish the facts surrounding the crisis and determine the appropriate way forward.