FIFA approves Normalisation Committee to run Nigeria Football Federation until May 2027

FIFA has approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), marking a new phase in efforts to resolve the country’s football governance crisis and pave the way for fresh elections.

The decision, announced by the NFF, was approved by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on Thursday following months of uncertainty that culminated in the mass resignation of the federation’s leadership in August.

The committee will manage the federation until it completes its assigned tasks, with FIFA setting 31 May 2027 as the latest deadline for its mandate to expire.

In a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and addressed to NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA confirmed that it would work with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to select the committee’s members.

“The normalisation committee shall consist of a suitable number of members, who will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF as soon as possible,” the letter said.

FIFA bars committee members from contesting NFF elections

The committee will oversee the federation’s affairs pending fresh elections to its Executive Committee, with its members prohibited from contesting positions in the forthcoming polls.

“The period during which the normalisation committee shall perform its functions shall expire as soon as it has fulfilled all of its tasks, but by no later than 31 May 2027,” the letter stated.

FIFA also made clear that membership of the committee would not provide a route into the federation’s elected leadership.

“None of the members of the normalisation committee will be eligible for the positions to be filled during the upcoming NFF elections under any circumstances,” the letter stated.

Until FIFA and CAF appoint the committee members, the NFF Secretariat will continue to handle the federation’s daily administration and oversee Nigerian football.

The composition of the committee and the full details of its responsibilities are yet to be announced.

Mass resignations trigger leadership shake-up

The appointment follows the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee on 27 August.

Gusau stepped down 34 days before the end of his four-year tenure, which began after his election in Benin City on 30 September 2022.

The resignations disrupted preparations for the NFF elective congress scheduled for 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The electoral process was subsequently suspended as FIFA and CAF consulted on the federation’s future.

Emmanuel Ikpeme, a former NFF Deputy General Secretary, was appointed acting General Secretary to oversee the Secretariat, while Ademola Olajire took over as acting Deputy General Secretary.

The leadership crisis unfolded during a difficult period for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup, ending their record of appearing at every edition since the tournament began in 1991.

Tinubu demands comprehensive football reforms

The leadership upheaval also prompted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to call for wide-ranging reforms across the country’s football administration.

On the day the NFF leadership resigned, Tinubu directed National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko to work with the federation’s Secretariat, football stakeholders, FIFA and CAF on a reform process.

“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” Tinubu said.

The directive placed governance and accountability at the centre of efforts to address the concerns surrounding the administration of Nigerian football.

Zurich meeting paved the way for FIFA intervention

On 1 September, Dikko led a Nigerian delegation to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, for discussions on the crisis and a proposed reform roadmap.

The delegation included NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Ikpeme and the federation’s Director of Legal Services, Okey Obi.

CAF second vice-president Kurt Okraku and FIFA Director of Member Associations for Africa Gelson Fernandes also attended the meeting.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino later said discussions covered institutional, governance and developmental issues, including strengthening Nigeria’s football structures and expanding opportunities for young players.

In a letter dated 7 September, FIFA and CAF instructed the NFF to suspend its electoral process while they assessed the legal, administrative, governance and electoral implications of the crisis. They also announced plans for a joint assessment mission to Abuja to engage relevant stakeholders.

The approval of the Normalisation Committee now provides a framework for the next stage of the process, with FIFA and CAF expected to appoint members to oversee the federation and prepare it for fresh elections.

The committee’s task will be to manage the transition, address the issues within its mandate and establish a path towards the restoration of elected leadership before the deadline expires.