The Nigerian football ruling body, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has confirmed the resignation of its president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside members of its Executive Committee and the general secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, on Thursday, August 27.
Gusau’s resignation comes 34 days to the end of his four-year tenure. He was elected NFF President at the Annual General Assembly of Nigeria Football held in Benin City, Edo State, on 30th September 2022.
The federation confirmed the development in a post on its official X page on Thursday, stating that the top officials had stepped down from their respective positions.
“NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside his Executive Committee and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has resigned from his position,” the federation said.
Gusau also confirmed his resignation while addressing a press conference in Abuja, where he said he had informed members of the board of his decision and advised those willing to follow suit to resign.
“So, just on this occasion, my family, friends, stakeholders, and all of you, I just want to tell you, I decided to resign my position as President of the NFF. And I advise my board members, I inform them, and I advise them, anybody who would follow through with this, to resign.
“The board is not communicating to me. I have not communicated to the administration. So, for me, I want to make this clear. And I am a disciplined person; I hope that we will continue to make our contribution across our experience.”
The resignations follow a difficult period for Nigerian football, with several national teams missing major tournaments.
The immediate pressure came after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nigeria lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations before suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup play-off.
The Super Eagles had also missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African play-off, while the Golden Eaglets failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Gusau’s administration has also faced scrutiny over financial management. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have been investigating the use of N12 billion (over $8 million). The federal government intervention fund was released in 2024 to settle unpaid wages, bonuses, and allowances.
The NFF previously confirmed that relevant records had been handed over to the anti-corruption agencies.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
