The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has resigned from office alongside several members of the federation’s Executive Committee amid mounting pressure over the state of Nigerian football.
Gusau announced his resignation during a press conference at the NFF headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, August 27, 2026. He also said he had informed and advised members of his board about his decision.
The development follows weeks of growing criticism of the NFF leadership over a series of setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams.
The pressure intensified after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the history of the competition. Nigeria had featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991.
The Falcons had entered the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as defending champions but were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals. Their subsequent 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup qualification play-off ended their hopes of reaching the 2027 tournament.
The Super Eagles have also endured a difficult period, having failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the performances of the national teams, the NFF leadership has faced scrutiny over the management of funds released by the Federal Government for the country’s national teams.
Security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), have reportedly been examining the utilization of a ₦17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding wages and bonuses owed to national team players and officials.
Reports indicate that several members of the 13-member NFF board had already resigned before Gusau’s announcement, with some reports putting the number at eight.
The resignation represents a major leadership shake-up in Nigerian football and comes ahead of the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Meanwhile, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has also reportedly stepped down from his position, further deepening the leadership crisis within the football governing body.
The latest development is expected to trigger discussions over the future administration of Nigerian football and the process for putting in place a new leadership structure.