The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported letter from FIFA warning Nigeria of possible suspension over alleged government interference in the country’s football administration.
The document, which circulated in sections of the media, claimed that FIFA was seeking clarification over the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and could sanction Nigeria if the decision was linked to government pressure.
However, the NFF said on Tuesday that the letter was “totally fake” and stressed that FIFA had already accepted the resignations of Gusau, former General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The federation said it was instead engaged in ongoing discussions with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) on a roadmap for comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football.
Gusau, who had led the NFF since 2022, resigned on August 27 amid mounting pressure following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Following the leadership changes, Emmanuel Ikpeme was appointed interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire became interim Deputy General Secretary. The NFF also suspended preparations for its September elective congress pending the completion of the proposed reform process.
The NFF’s latest statement effectively dismisses claims in the purported FIFA letter that Nigeria faced an immediate threat of suspension from international football.
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