Nigeria Football Fallout: Why Ibrahim Gusau Resigned as NFF President

By Reporter

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has explained why he resigned from office alongside other members of the federation’s board.

Gusau said his decision was driven by his love for Nigeria and his desire to continue contributing to the development of football in the country.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja.

Gusau was elected NFF President on September 30, 2022, at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress held in Benin City, Edo State.

He resigned from office alongside other board members with immediate effect amid growing calls for an investigation into the administration of football in Nigeria.

The demand for a probe followed the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Explaining his decision, Gusau said Nigerians in football must be willing to examine themselves and determine the best way forward for the sport.

“As Nigerians, nobody is better than this country; we all love our country and its progress, and as people that have been in football and managing football, we need to look at ourselves and say what next?” he said.

Gusau disclosed that he consulted with his family, friends and key stakeholders before deciding to step down.

“So we made consultations between family, friends, and stakeholders, and I decided to resign my position. I advised my Board members that anybody who will follow me should resign,” he added.

The former NFF president, however, said his resignation would not end his involvement in Nigerian football.

“For me, I want to make it clear, and by the grace of God, we hope to continue making our contribution because of our experience and relationships we have within African football; we will continue to give our contribution for the progress of Nigerian football,” Gusau said.