Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has resigned from office after three years and 11 months at the helm of Nigeria’s football governing body.
Gusau announced his resignation on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja, saying the decision followed consultations with his family, friends and key stakeholders.
“After consultation with family, friends and stakeholders, I just want to tell you that I’ve decided to resign my position. I have also advised my board members to resign.”
Gusau said his administration recorded notable achievements despite the challenges it faced, insisting that he was leaving the NFF in a better position than he found it.
He cited the planned commencement of the CAF A Licence coaching course as one of the final achievements of his administration, noting that the programme had not been held in Nigeria for eight years.
“At least, we have something that we can tell Nigerians and the world that we have achieved for the little opportunity we had during this period. The last one we are going to do is the CAF A Licence training, which has not been taking place for the past eight years and that will commence on the 16th of September. Everything has been concluded about it.”
The former Zamfara FA boss also highlighted improved stability in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), saying the establishment of a fixed commencement date had enhanced the credibility of the domestic football calendar and provided greater certainty for the league.
Gusau, however, expressed regret over the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite stepping down, he said he remained willing to contribute to Nigerian football, citing the experience and relationships he had developed within African football.
“By the grace of God, I hope I can continue to give my contributions because the experience and relationships we have within African football will never go in vain.”
The NFF Executive Congress is scheduled to hold on September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where the process of selecting new leadership is expected to take shape.
There are also reports that the next NFF president could emerge from the South-West, with four names reportedly being considered for a seamless transition.
Gusau’s resignation comes amid President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global competitions.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the reform is expected to address governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability within Nigerian football.
Tinubu said football had continued to struggle despite progress recorded in other sports following the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission.
“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system.”
The President stressed the need for Nigerian football to match the country’s wealth of talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performances.
He directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
The reform is also expected to involve engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework.
Tinubu urged football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
