FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process pending a joint assessment of the crisis within the federation.
The directive was contained in a letter dated 7 September 2026 and addressed to the NFF Deputy General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov.
FIFA and CAF said they were currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from recent developments within the NFF.
The world football governing body said its review followed various communications concerning the resignation of the NFF president, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, as well as additional correspondence from other football stakeholders in Nigeria.
The two bodies also referred to a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 1 September involving representatives of FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and the Federal Government of Nigeria, during which the situation within the federation was discussed.
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“FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,” the letter stated.
“This assessment requires a careful review of the relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions communicated by the various stakeholders concerned.”
FIFA and CAF stressed that they had not reached any conclusions on the issues under review and had made no determination on possible next steps.
NFF asked to serve as contact point
To facilitate communication during the assessment, FIFA and CAF asked Ikpeme to serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.
The bodies also requested that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with it until further notice.
“Furthermore, and without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing assessment, FIFA and CAF request that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection to that process until further notice,” the letter said.
According to FIFA and CAF, the request was intended to preserve the status quo while they complete their assessment and engage with relevant stakeholders.
They cautioned that the suspension should not be interpreted as a determination on the validity of any decisions, actions, processes, positions or interpretations advanced by any stakeholder in relation to the circumstances within the NFF.
FIFA, CAF to visit Abuja
FIFA and CAF also announced plans to conduct a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.
The mission, according to the letter, will engage relevant stakeholders and gather information needed for a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
Meetings are expected to be held with representatives of the NFF administration, members of the NFF, the NFF electoral bodies and representatives of the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).
FIFA and CAF asked the NFF to assist in coordinating the logistical arrangements for the mission and facilitate meetings with the relevant stakeholders.
“The mission will allow FIFA and CAF to better understand the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF, the views of the various stakeholders and any issues that may require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulatory framework,” the letter stated.
No decision yet on next steps
FIFA and CAF said that after completing the assessment, they would determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the appropriate decision-making bodies within FIFA and CAF in line with their respective statutes and regulations.
“Following completion of this assessment process, FIFA and CAF will determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the competent decision-making bodies within FIFA and CAF in accordance with their respective Statutes and regulations,” the statement said.
The governing bodies added that the outcome of the assessment remained open and that no assumptions should be made about any action they might take.
The latest development puts the NFF electoral process on hold as FIFA and CAF examine the circumstances surrounding the recent leadership changes and other disputes within Nigerian football administration.
