NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi Resign

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, have resigned from their respective positions, just weeks before the federation’s highly anticipated elective congress.

Sanusi, who has served as the NFF’s chief administrative officer, confirmed the development in a statement to Daily Sunspots, saying that both he and Gusau had officially stepped down from their positions.

“Yes, the news about the resignation of the president and myself is true,” Sanusi reportedly said.

The sudden development has come as a major surprise to stakeholders in Nigerian football, particularly because it occurred less than one month before the NFF elective congress scheduled to take place on September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The resignations also come at a time when the NFF leadership has faced increasing scrutiny and pressure over several administrative and financial issues affecting the running of football in the country.

Gusau had, however, dismissed suggestions that he was under pressure to resign when he spoke with journalists on Wednesday during the unveiling of the new Nigeria Premier Football League season.

His comments came shortly before the announcement of his resignation.

The simultaneous departure of the NFF president and general secretary is an unusual development in the history of football administration in Nigeria and is likely to generate considerable debate among football stakeholders, clubs, players and administrators.

Under Gusau’s leadership, the NFF had been involved in a prolonged disagreement with the Shehu Dikko-led National Sports Commission over a number of administrative, financial and operational matters.

The dispute reportedly contributed to difficulties surrounding the release and management of funds required by the NFF to organise and participate in various domestic, continental and international football competitions.

The latest resignations could therefore have significant consequences for the federation, particularly as preparations intensify for the September elective congress.

Stakeholders will be closely watching how the NFF handles the leadership transition and whether the development will affect the timetable or arrangements for the forthcoming elections.

With both of the federation’s top officials leaving office at the same time, questions are also expected to emerge over who will oversee the NFF’s affairs in the interim and how the federation will maintain stability during the transition.

The development is expected to dominate discussions within Nigerian football in the coming days as stakeholders await further clarification from the federation and other relevant authorities.

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