NFF In Fresh Leadership Shake-Up As NSC Appoints Emmanuel Ikpeme After Gusau Exit

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has approved Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as the interim General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.

Ikpeme, who previously served as the NFF’s Deputy General Secretary, will oversee the federation’s Secretariat during the transition period.

The commission also appointed Dr Ademola Olajire, the former Director of Media and Communications, as the interim Deputy General Secretary.

As part of the transition measures, the NSC has suspended all activities related to the NFF Elective Congress earlier scheduled for September 27.

According to the commission, a fresh electoral process will be initiated after the proposed comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football have been concluded. The reforms will be carried out in consultation with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders.

The NSC also issued a directive affecting the administration of the country’s domestic leagues.

Chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One have been ordered to hand over the administration of their respective competitions to their Chief Operating Officers.

The commission further directed the acting General Secretary to appoint an NFF staff member as COO in any league where the current Chief Operating Officer is not an employee of the federation.

The NSC said the interim arrangements were designed to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football while discussions continue with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

The commission added that the ongoing engagements would help establish a clear roadmap for the proposed reforms and determine the next steps toward their implementation.