World News
Nigerian Football Federation chief resigns during secret police probe
Ibrahim Musa Gusau stepped down alongside several board members as Nigeria's government orders structural reforms of national football governance.
The short version
- Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and several board members resigned on Thursday amid allegations of financial mismanagement.
- The Department of State Services is reportedly investigating the federation regarding the alleged misuse of 17 billion naira ($12.7 million) intended to clear backlogged national team payments.
- Following the resignations, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu mandated comprehensive administrative and governance reforms for the country's football system.
- Interim leadership arrangements and specific reform timelines have not yet been disclosed.
Key facts
- NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau announced his resignation and urged other board members to resign a month ahead of scheduled federation elections.[Al Jazeera]
- Local media reported that Nigeria's secret police, the Department of State Services, is probing the NFF over 17 billion naira received from the government in 2024 to clear unpaid allowances to players and officials.[Al Jazeera]
- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu directed a full reform of national football administration aimed at improving governance, accountability, and development pathways.[Al Jazeera]
- Gusau defended his administration, attributing financial strains to broader economic hardship and currency volatility while announcing an annual $4.5 million partnership with Adidas.[Al Jazeera]
- The departures follow the women's national football team missing qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup for the first time, alongside the men's team missing the prior two World Cup tournaments.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The full extent of the Department of State Services' investigation and whether formal criminal charges will be brought against NFF officials remains unclear.[Al Jazeera]