President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has stepped down from his position, bringing an end to his tenure at the helm of the country’s football governing body.
Gusau announced his resignation during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, confirming that his decision takes immediate effect.
The development was accompanied by the resignation of NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, while other members of the Federation’s Executive Committee were also reported to have submitted their resignations.
Speaking with journalists, Gusau said his decision followed consultations with people close to him and key stakeholders in Nigerian football.
“After consultation with family, friends and stakeholders, I just want to tell you that I have decided to resign my position,” Gusau said.
He also disclosed that he had advised members of the NFF Executive Committee to step down from their respective positions.
The resignations bring an end to days of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the future of the NFF leadership, which has come under growing pressure following a series of disappointing performances by Nigeria’s national teams.
One of the biggest setbacks during Gusau’s administration was the Super Eagles’ failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Falcons also suffered a historic disappointment after missing out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, ending Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the competition since its inception in 1991.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were ended after the Super Falcons lost 2-1 to South Africa in the play-off, following an earlier 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
At youth level, the Flying Eagles also failed to book a place at the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship.
Gusau’s departure comes just weeks before the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The 62-year-old was elected NFF President in September 2022, succeeding Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the head of Nigerian football.
