The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have requested the suspension of the ongoing electoral process of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) pending an assessment of the current situation within the federation.
In a letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to the NFF Deputy General Secretary, FIFA and CAF affirmed that they were assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from recent developments within the NFF.
The developments include notifications concerning the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, as well as other correspondence received from football stakeholders in Nigeria.
The two football governing bodies also referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1 involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, where the situation of the NFF was discussed.
“FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,” the letter stated.
To facilitate communication and coordination during the assessment, FIFA and CAF requested that Emmanuel Ikpeme serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA, and CAF until further notice.
They further requested that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the process until further notice.
The bodies explained that the request was intended to preserve the status quo while they complete their assessment and engage with relevant stakeholders, adding that it should not be interpreted as a determination regarding the validity of decisions, actions, processes, positions or interpretations advanced by any stakeholder.
FIFA and CAF also announced plans to conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.
According to the letter, the mission will involve engagements with representatives of the NFF administration, members of the NFF, NFF electoral bodies, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).
FIFA and CAF requested the NFF’s support in coordinating the logistical arrangements for the mission and facilitating meetings with the relevant stakeholders.
They stressed that the mission would enable them to better understand the circumstances surrounding recent developments within the NFF, the views of various stakeholders, and issues that may require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF, and NFF regulatory framework.
Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF noted that they would determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the competent decision-making bodies within FIFA and CAF in accordance with their respective statutes and regulations.
“Until such time, the outcome of the assessment remains open and no assumptions should be made as to any action that FIFA and CAF may or may not take,” the letter added.
