{
  "id": 3852787,
  "title": "Odegbami, Soname lead race to replace Gusau as NFF president",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/odegbami-soname-lead-race-to-replace-gusau-as-nff-president-3852787",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T00:46:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/odegbami-soname-lead-race-to-replace-gusau-as-nff-president/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is in the midst of a leadership transition following the resignation of Ibrahim Gusau on Thursday. Several prominent figures have emerged as potential candidates for the presidency, including Kunle Soname, Mike Emenalo, Amaju Pinnick, Seyi Olofinjana, Chikelu Iloenyosi, and Segun Odegbami.\n\nKunle Soname, founder of Bet9ja and owner of Remo Stars, is viewed as a frontrunner due to his successful private investment in football infrastructure. Mike Emenalo, a former Chelsea defender and technical director, brings extensive European and Middle Eastern football administration experience. Amaju Pinnick, who previously led the NFF for two terms, is a strong contender due to his international experience and familiarity with football's governing bodies. Seyi Olofinjana, a former Super Eagles midfielder, is known for his blend of elite club experience and grassroots investment in Nigerian talent. Chikelu Iloenyosi, chair of the Anambra State Football Association, has regional backing and a strong focus on grassroots football. Segun Odegbami, a 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, is a vocal critic of the NFF and has called for the suspension of the upcoming elective congress.",
  "summary": "Segun Odegbami and Kunle Soname are frontrunners in the NFF President race after Ibrahim Gusau’s resignation. Discover other key contenders for Nigerian fo Read More: https://punchng.com/odegbami-soname-lead-race-to-replace-gusau-as-nff-president/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Odegbami, Soname lead race to replace Gusau as NFF president",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/odegbami-soname-lead-race-to-replace-gusau-as-nff-president",
        "published": "2026-08-28T00:36:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}