FIFA has accepted the mass resignations within the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as consultations continue on a comprehensive plan to reform and reposition Nigerian football.
The development followed a high-level meeting at FIFA House in Zurich, Switzerland, involving representatives of FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CAF advisers, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the NFF administration.
The meeting focused on developing a clear reform roadmap covering the short, medium and long-term future of Nigerian football.
According to the stakeholders, the process is designed to pave the way for the emergence of a more inclusive and properly structured NFF, while creating a peaceful, stable and enabling environment for the administration and development of football in Nigeria.
The ultimate objective is to strengthen the country’s football structures and improve Nigeria’s prospects both on and off the pitch.
The Nigerian delegation was led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, alongside NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick, OFR, also attended the meeting in his official capacity as Special Adviser to the CAF President and Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Men’s National Teams’ Competitions Committee.
Representing the NFF administration were Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Director of Legal Services Okey Obi, Esq.
CAF’s delegation included Second Vice President Kurt-Okraku, while FIFA was represented by its Director of Member Associations for Africa, Gelson Fernandes.
Speaking after the meeting, Dikko confirmed that discussions between the relevant football authorities are continuing, with the focus firmly on establishing a reform framework that complies with football’s governing statutes and regulations.
“Mutual engagement among the National Sports Commission, the NFF administration and the Confederation of African Football is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigeria football,” Dikko stated.
He added that the parties are working towards an agreed roadmap that will guide the process in accordance with the applicable rules, regulations and statutes.
Dikko expressed confidence that the ongoing process would ultimately produce a stronger and better-organised Nigerian football system.
The latest development comes amid significant changes within the NFF leadership and growing calls for structural reforms aimed at improving the administration, governance and overall development of football in the country.
