NFF denies FIFA letter as Nigerian delegation meets Infantino

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted claims that FIFA, the global football governing body, requested further clarification regarding alleged interference by the government in NFF affairs. The NFF debunked reports of a purported letter circulating in the media, stating that such correspondence is entirely fabricated.

FIFA has already acknowledged the resignations of former NFF officials and members of the executive committee, according to the federation. The NFF's statement, released on their social media platform, further emphasized that the world football governing body has already accepted the resignations of the former NFF officials. The denial took place as a delegation from the National Sports Commission and key stakeholders in Nigerian football met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland.

The delegation, headed by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, also included former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick. Discussions between the delegation and Infantino centered on the ongoing restructuring of Nigerian football, recent leadership changes, and steps needed to progress the sport.

These meetings followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his executive committee members due to concerns about the state of Nigerian football. Gusau, whose term was set to conclude in September, announced his resignation in a press conference in Abuja last Thursday. The NFF subsequently appointed an interim management team, with Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim general secretary and Ademola Olajire as interim deputy general secretary.

President Bola Tinubu had called for reforms following a string of poor performances by Nigeria's national and youth teams, with the Super Eagles failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second time in a row and the Super Falcons not qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup for the first time since its inception in 1991.