IFA has suspended the planned September 27 elections of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as it continues to assess the leadership crisis that followed the mass resignation of the federation’s president, executive committee members and general secretary.
The world football governing body said it has not yet reached a final decision on the future of the NFF. FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are reviewing the legal, administrative, governance and electoral implications of the recent developments before deciding on the next steps.
FIFA said the decision to halt the planned election does not amount to an endorsement of any side in the dispute. Instead, it is intended to give the international bodies time to establish the facts and consult the various stakeholders involved.
A joint FIFA and CAF delegation is expected to visit Abuja to meet with representatives of the NFF, its Congress, electoral bodies and the National Sports Commission. The meetings are expected to help the organisations better understand the circumstances surrounding the mass resignations and determine the appropriate way forward.
The crisis comes after widespread concerns over the performance and administration of Nigerian football, including the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The resignation of the NFF leadership has subsequently triggered calls for deeper reforms across the sport.
FIFA has also directed that the acting NFF administration maintain communication with FIFA and CAF while the review continues.
The outcome of the assessment could determine whether Nigeria proceeds with a revised electoral process, establishes an interim arrangement or adopts other reforms to stabilise the country’s football administration.
For now, FIFA has stressed that no final conclusion has been reached, leaving the future structure of Nigerian football administration open as consultations continue.
