FIFA and Confederation of African Football officials have commenced an assessment of the leadership crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation, focusing on its legal, administrative, governance and electoral implications.
The delegation began its engagement in Abuja on Monday with National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, before meeting members of the NFF Congress and other stakeholders at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The development follows the mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and several board members on August 27, amid growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football and the performance of the country’s national teams.
The Super Eagles and Super Falcons have both come under scrutiny after failing to qualify for their respective World Cups, while concerns have also been raised over the performance of Nigeria’s youth teams.
The FIFA delegation includes Ahmed Harraz, team lead of FIFA’s Member Association Governance Services; Rolf Tanner, FIFA Head of Member Association Governance; and El Hadj Wack Diop, who leads FIFA’s Regional Office for West Africa.
CAF Legal Manager, Nnaemeka Olu, is representing the continental football governing body.
Dikko initially held discussions with the FIFA and CAF officials, where he presented the Federal Government’s proposed reform agenda for the Nigerian sports sector. Members of the NFF Congress later joined the meeting.
The assessment is expected to cover the circumstances that led to the resignation of the NFF board, proposed governance reforms, the federation’s statutes, the electoral framework and the composition of the NFF Congress.
The officials are also expected to consider a fresh timetable for an elective congress and examine the extent of government involvement in the administration of the football federation.
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The NFF statutes have remained a major issue among stakeholders seeking a more representative and inclusive football administration, with the electoral process and composition of the Congress also attracting attention.
FIFA and CAF are expected to consult a wide range of stakeholders as they seek to determine a lawful and acceptable pathway towards restoring a functional NFF Congress and resolving the federation’s recurring leadership disputes.
The international bodies had last week cautioned against speculation over the outcome of the mission, saying no decision had been taken despite receiving communications from different stakeholders in Nigeria.
FIFA said the assessment would enable it and CAF to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments, the positions of stakeholders and issues that could require consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.
The governing body added that any recommendations or proposals would only be considered after the assessment had been completed and submitted to the relevant decision-making bodies.
The outcome of the Abuja meetings is expected to determine the next steps on the proposed reforms, the future leadership structure of the NFF and the process for restoring stability to Nigerian football.