President Bola Tinubu has directed a complete overhaul of Nigerian football after the sudden resignation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau and members of his executive committee. The move comes at a moment of deep disappointment for the country’s most popular sport.
Gusau confirmed his decision on Thursday at a press conference held at the NFF secretariat in Abuja. He said the choice followed talks with his family, friends and football stakeholders. He also advised board members willing to step aside to do the same. The federation later stated that Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and the executive committee had all left their positions. Gusau had served for three years and eleven months after his election in September 2022.
The resignations arrived after a string of painful results. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Falcons, who had appeared at every Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991, missed the 2027 edition after losing a playoff to South Africa. Fans and former players had grown increasingly vocal in their calls for change.
Reports also linked the leadership exit to questions over how a large federal government intervention fund, released in 2024 to settle outstanding payments to national teams, was managed. Security agencies had begun examining related records.
In a statement issued the same day, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu ordered a comprehensive reform of the game. The President noted that while other sports have made progress under the restored National Sports Commission, football continues to lag because of deep structural problems. He described football as Nigeria’s most popular sport and the one that receives the greatest public support and attention, yet it still falls short of matching the country’s talent, passion and resources.
Tinubu directed the National Sports Commission chairman to work with the NFF secretariat and key stakeholders. The goal is to keep essential administration running while launching a wide consultative process. That process must strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability. The authorities are also to engage FIFA and the Confederation of African Football while protecting Nigeria’s international obligations.
The timing adds urgency. The NFF had scheduled its elective congress for late September in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The mass resignations now cast uncertainty over that process and raise questions about interim arrangements.
Gusau, for his part, defended his tenure. He pointed to the revival of coaching education courses, efforts to stabilise the domestic league calendar and improved sponsorship deals. He expressed readiness to continue offering his experience and contacts within African football when needed.
For many supporters, the resignations and the presidential directive represent a rare chance to reset. Nigerian football has long suffered from weak institutions, delayed payments, and short-term thinking. Whether the reform process delivers lasting change will depend on how thoroughly it addresses those foundations rather than simply installing new faces.
The coming weeks will show whether this moment becomes the start of genuine renewal or another chapter of familiar struggles. Football remains the sport that unites the nation more than any other. The expectation now is that the reform matches that importance.