Super Eagles & Falcons Ready For AFCON, WAFCON? NFF Reveals Key Updates

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued new directives as the nation gears up for a busy period in international football, following an Executive Committee meeting held on Wednesday, December 10, at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Foremost on the agenda was the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The committee called on the Secretariat to ensure a seamless and well-organized build-up for the men’s national team, while urging players to move past the disappointment of the World Cup playoff and seize the AFCON stage as an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

The focus then shifted to the Super Falcons, who will compete for an 11th continental crown at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco between 17 March and 3 April 2026. The NFF instructed its Secretariat to arrange high-quality friendly matches during the February FIFA window, emphasizing that only strong preparation would ready the team for both the tournament and the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Concerns were also raised over Nigeria’s declining performance at the youth level. Following a comprehensive review, the committee directed the Technical and Legal departments to develop new guidelines for football academies, aiming to strengthen grassroots development and align the country’s football structures with FIFA standards.

On financial governance, the NFF approved the ongoing appointment of a new Independent Auditor to replace PriceWaterhouseCoopers, whose two-term tenure concluded in line with regulations prohibiting service beyond two terms.

The committee also expressed optimism about the FIFA Forward 3.0 project in Abuja, highlighting the progress of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches opposite the Secretariat. Officials confirmed that the contractor remains on track to meet the 24-month completion deadline.

However, the committee took a sterner tone regarding refereeing standards. Expressing “deep-seated disappointment” with the performances of officials across the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO, it warned that stricter measures would soon be implemented to address incompetence, collusion, and fixture manipulation.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Ibrahim Musa Gusau (President); Yusuf Ahmed; Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; Babagana Kalli; Sunday Dele-Ajayi; Aisha Falode; Ganiyu Majekodunmi; Margaret Icheen; Timothy Heman Magaji; George Aluo; and Mohammed Sanusi (Secretary).

Apologies for absence were noted from Felix Anyansi-Agwu (1st Vice President); Gbenga Elegbeleye (2nd Vice President); Nse Udofot Essien; and H.E. Silas Agara.