The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported FIFA letter circulating in sections of the media over the recent changes in the federation’s leadership.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the NFF said the document did not originate from FIFA and should be disregarded.
The federation also disclosed that FIFA had formally accepted the resignations of former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee.
Gusau and Sanusi resigned on August 27, followed by the other members of the federation’s executive board, after mounting criticism of the state of Nigerian football.
The purported letter had claimed that FIFA was seeking clarification over allegations of government involvement in Gusau’s resignation and could impose sanctions on Nigeria.
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The NFF’s denial came as Nigerian football officials held talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday.
The delegation, led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, included former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick.
The meeting focused on ongoing reforms and the future direction of Nigerian football, with the NSC, NFF administration, CAF and FIFA involved in discussions on a reform framework.
The leadership shake-up followed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ elimination from the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The latter ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the women’s tournament since its inception in 1991.
The NFF’s planned September 27 elective congress in Lafia has also been affected by the leadership changes, with the federation’s next steps expected to emerge from the ongoing reform consultations.