Uncertainty Clouds NFF Election as Stakeholders Demand Reforms

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Uncertainty is surrounding the planned September 27 elective congress of the Nigeria Football Federation, with stakeholders increasingly calling for reforms to the electoral process before the federation goes to the polls.

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, who was elected at the federation’s elective congress in Benin City in September 2022, is seeking a second term amid growing criticism of his administration and renewed concerns over the structure of Nigerian football governance.

The calls for change have intensified following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ subsequent failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Former Nigeria Premier Football League chairman Rumson Baribote questioned the credibility of the current electoral system, particularly the voting structure which he believes gives state football associations an advantage over other federating bodies.

Baribote also argued that unresolved issues surrounding the 2022 election and subsequent amendments should be addressed before another election is conducted.

“The NFF election cannot stand because there is a matter before the court. If you have not resolved the issues around the election in 2022, will you be talking about another election? Those amendments need to be addressed,” Baribote told The PUNCH.

He called for greater equality among the various federating units, arguing that bodies representing referees, players, coaches and other football stakeholders should have voting strength comparable to that of state football associations.

According to Baribote, giving all federating units an equal number of votes would create a more balanced and credible electoral system.

Former international and Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reforms Initiative, Harrison Jalla, has also called for government intervention, claiming that the NFF election process is currently before the courts.

Jalla cited cases before the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court as part of his argument for reforms and the implementation of pending judicial decisions.

He further criticised the influence of state football association chairmen on Nigerian football administration and urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to address what he described as longstanding administrative problems within the federation.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that the National Sports Commission is seeking President Bola Tinubu’s approval to halt the planned election and establish a normalisation committee to oversee reforms within the NFF.

However, a member of the Gusau-led NFF board dismissed the reports, insisting that there had been no decision to cancel the election.

The board member also rejected suggestions that Nigeria could face a FIFA ban as a result of any intervention, stressing that the NSC leadership was familiar with the NFF statutes and would be expected to act within the established rules.

With the September 27 congress drawing closer, the growing disagreement has placed the future of the NFF electoral process under renewed scrutiny, with stakeholders divided over whether the election should proceed as planned or be preceded by comprehensive reforms.