FIFA and CAF Delegation to Arrive in Abuja for Ongoing Football Governance Review

The football community in Nigeria is on high alert as a delegation from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is scheduled to arrive in Abuja on Monday. This visit comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the governance and administrative framework of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which has been under scrutiny for its management practices.

In a recent communication dated September 7, FIFA emphasized that it and CAF are currently reviewing the legal, governance, and electoral implications stemming from the existing issues within the NFF. According to Elkhan Mammadov, Chief Member Associations Officer at FIFA, this assessment requires a thorough examination of relevant facts and stakeholder positions. “At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review,” the email stated.

Furthermore, FIFA has requested that the ongoing electoral process within the NFF be suspended, urging that no further steps or decisions be made until their review is complete. This directive aims to maintain the status quo and ensure that all necessary evaluations are conducted without external pressures or premature actions.

“FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,” FIFA's communication read.

In light of this situation, FIFA has designated Barrister Emmanuel Ikpeme, recognized as the Deputy General Secretary, as the primary liaison between the NFF, FIFA, and CAF. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining clear communication channels as the review process unfolds, further distancing the National Sports Commission (NSC) from direct involvement in the NFF's governance issues.