Nigerian Football Federation launches preparations for 2026-2030 executive election

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has officially launched preparations for its 2026-2030 executive elections, with Lafia in Nasarawa State confirmed as the host city for the vote on 26 September.

The federation’s electoral process entered a critical phase on Thursday, marked by the swearing-in of the Electoral Commission and Appeals Commission at the NFF headquarters in Abuja.

President Ibrahim Musa Gusau urged the committees to conduct their duties with transparency and integrity, warning against any pressure or preferential treatment for prospective candidates.

Lawyer Matthew Burka’a, speaking on behalf of the Electoral Commission, pledged a fair and serious approach. “We will approach this task with the utmost seriousness,” he said, adding that the election aims to set a benchmark for future processes in both sports and politics. “The eyes of FIFA, CAF, and football fans will be on these proceedings,” he emphasized.

The Electoral Commission will comprise Matthew Burka’a, Babagoni Grema, Bature Musa, Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, and Olugbenga Omole, while the Appeals Commission will include CJ Aneke, Benjamin Sati, and Abdulmalik Awwal.

NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi will serve as secretary for both bodies, in line with the federation’s statutes.

The process is being closely monitored by institutional figures and football stakeholders. Present at the ceremony were Philip Shaibu, Director General of the National Sports Institute, and Felix Anyansi-Agwu, NFF First Vice President.

Their presence underscores the importance of ensuring a credible and transparent election.

With just under six months to go before the vote, the NFF’s focus is on delivering an orderly election that will determine the leadership for the next four years.

The federation hopes the process will reinforce governance standards in Nigerian football and demonstrate a commitment to transparency at every stage.

The election in Lafia will culminate a series of preparatory steps designed to ensure all stakeholders have confidence in the outcome, as the NFF looks to appoint an executive committee capable of steering Nigerian football through 2026-2030.