Nigeria FA President Ibrahim Gusau Resigns Amid Mounting Pressure
Gusau steps down amid scrutiny over NFF’s handling of an £8.5m government fund and Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualification setbacks.
- Ibrahim Gusau resigns as NFF president
- NFF faces scrutiny over £8.5m government fund
- Nigeria suffers major World Cup qualification setbacks
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has resigned from his position amid growing criticism of the country’s football administration.
Gusau announced his resignation at a press conference held at the NFF Glass House in Abuja on Thursday, shortly before the end of his tenure.
He also called on members of his board to resign with him, saying he had advised them to step down.
His resignation comes as the NFF faces scrutiny over its handling of an £8.5 million (US$11 million) Federal Government intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams.
Gusau’s departure also follows a difficult period for Nigerian football, with both the men’s and women’s senior national teams suffering major setbacks in World Cup qualification.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also missed out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup, ending their record of appearing at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991.
Gusau was elected NFF president at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress in September 2022.
With the NFF’s next elections scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Gusau said his decision was intended to give other Nigerians an opportunity to contribute to the development of football.
He, however, defended his record, insisting that despite the national teams’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cups, he was leaving the federation in a stronger position than when he assumed office.
The NFF has yet to announce arrangements for an interim leadership following his resignation.
