FIFA and CAF approve AbdulHakeem Mustapha to lead NFF normalisation committee

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have approved the appointment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha as chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) normalisation committee.

The development follows the dissolution of the NFF board after a wave of resignations led by the federation’s president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The move paved the way for the establishment of a normalisation committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Nigerian football until fresh elections are held next year.

The committee is expected to manage the affairs of the federation and organise elections to constitute a new NFF board.

However, the approval process had been delayed, with FIFA and CAF taking time to agree on the nominees submitted for the committee.

Mustapha is expected to lead a team that reportedly includes former NFF board member Chris Green, who currently serves as chairman of Rivers United.

Mustapha brings considerable experience in football administration and legal affairs, having served as a member of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.

He also previously held the position of president of the CAF Appeal Committee, making him one of the Nigerians with significant experience in the legal and judicial structures of African football.

His background in international football administration is expected to be valuable as the committee works to restore stability within the NFF and oversee the transition to a newly elected board.

The normalisation committee will be under pressure to ensure a smooth electoral process and maintain the confidence of FIFA and CAF as Nigerian football enters a new administrative phase.