Ibrahim Gusau, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has resigned just a few weeks before the federation’s elections.
Gusau announced his decision at a press conference at the NFF headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. He also said he encouraged members of the executive board to resign.
“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,” Gusau said.
Gusau resigned while the NFF is under increased scrutiny for its handling of an £8.5 million ($11 million) intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2024.
The funds were reportedly intended to pay outstanding salaries and bonuses owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
Gusau resigned after a tough period for Nigerian football, with both the men’s and women’s senior national teams failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Falcons’ absence is especially significant because this is the first time Nigeria has missed the Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria had competed in every Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. But a difficult qualifying campaign meant the Super Falcons missed automatic qualification and were later eliminated in the playoffs.
Gusau became NFF president at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress in September 2022. He resigned just before his term was set to end, which may affect the upcoming elections.
The NFF elections are set for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Gusau said he felt it was time to step aside and allow others to help develop football in Nigeria.
He defended his time as president, saying he left Nigerian football stronger than when he started, even though neither senior national team qualified for their World Cups.
Gusau said he asked his board members to resign with him, but as of his announcement, none had done so.
The NFF has not yet announced who will serve as interim leader as the federation prepares for next month’s elections.
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