Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has resigned amid mounting criticism of the country’s football administration, just weeks before the organisation is due to hold its next elections.
Gusau announced his decision at a press conference at the NFF Glass House in Abuja on Thursday, shortly before his tenure was due to end.
“I can confirm to you that I have decided to resign from my position as NFF President. I also advised my board members to follow me and also resign,” he said.
The NFF president’s departure comes as the federation faces increased scrutiny over its handling of an £8.5m ($11m) intervention fund approved by Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu in 2024.
The money was intended to pay outstanding wages and bonuses owed to members of Nigeria’s national teams. The management of those funds has become a significant issue during a difficult period for Nigerian football.
Both of Nigeria’s senior national teams have suffered major setbacks in World Cup qualification. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 men’s World Cup, while the Super Falcons’ long-standing record of appearing at every Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991 came to an end.
Nigeria’s women’s team missed out on automatic qualification and were later eliminated in the playoffs.
Gusau was elected NFF president at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress in September 2022. His resignation comes before the next election, which is scheduled for 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Explaining his decision, Gusau said he wanted to allow other Nigerians to play a part in developing football in the country.
He also defended his time in office, arguing that the federation was in a stronger position than when he became president, despite the failure of the national teams to reach the 2026 World Cups.
Gusau said he had encouraged members of his board to resign alongside him. However, he added that he was not aware of any board member who had followed his example.
The NFF has not yet announced how it will be led on an interim basis following Gusau’s resignation.
The timing of his decision means the federation will now have to address its leadership arrangements before the scheduled election in Lafia. The resignation also leaves the NFF facing continued questions over the administration of national-team finances and the recent competitive performances of Nigeria’s men’s and women’s sides.
Gusau’s announcement marks the end of his period as head of the country’s football governing body, with the next phase of the NFF’s leadership set to be determined at the September congress.
