THE President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has resigned from office, throwing the leadership of the country’s football governing body into fresh uncertainty ahead of its scheduled elections.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Gusau announced his resignation on Thursday during a press conference at the NFF Glass House in Abuja, where he said he had decided to step aside to allow other Nigerians to contribute their ideas and experience to the development of football in the country.
Gusau said his decision was taken despite the recent setbacks suffered by Nigeria’s national teams, insisting that he was leaving the federation in a better position than he found it when he assumed office.
He acknowledged the failure of both the men’s and women’s national teams to qualify for the World Cups but maintained that his administration had made progress in several areas of Nigerian football during its tenure.
The NFF president also disclosed that he had informed members of his board about his decision and advised those willing to follow him to also resign.
“I just want to tell you that I decided to resign my position as the NFF President. I informed my board members and advised them that anybody who wants to follow me to also resign, but as I am talking to you I cannot tell you who and who or how many board members that have resigned,” Gusau said.
He, however, expressed his commitment to Nigerian football, saying his resignation from the NFF presidency would not prevent him from contributing to the growth of the sport.
Gusau said he would continue to make his experience and relationships within African football available whenever the country requires his services.
“By the grace of God I hope I can continue to give my contributions because the experience and relationship we have within the African football, we will never allow it to go in vain,” he said.
“Whenever we need to give our contributions we will come here and give our contributions for the progress of the Nigerian people.”
Gusau’s resignation came on the same day that the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, also announced his resignation while addressing members of the federation’s secretariat.
The simultaneous departures come amid mounting criticism of football administration in Nigeria, particularly following the failure of the Super Eagles and Super Falcons to secure places at the respective World Cups.
Gusau was elected NFF president at the 78th Elective Congress of the federation in September 2022. His resignation comes shortly before the expiration of his tenure and could have significant implications for the federation’s transition process.
Of particular concern is the effect of the development on the NFF’s planned electoral process, with the federation’s board elections scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The resignation of the federation’s president and general secretary could therefore trigger fresh questions over the timing, conduct and administration of the forthcoming elections, even as stakeholders await further clarification from the NFF on the next steps.
Gusau, meanwhile, has pledged to remain available to support Nigerian football, stressing that his experience and connections within African football would continue to be placed at the disposal of the country whenever needed.