* The NFF secretariat.

Changes

Abuja, August 28, 2026 (www.crestnewsonline.ng) The National Sports Commission (NSC) has given the nod to Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, until now Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the Secretariat of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as interim General Secretary.

This was in the wake of Thursday’s resignations of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau as NFF President and Dr Mohammed Sanusi as General Secretary, as well as members of the Federation’s Executive Committee.

Dr Ademola Olajire, until now Director of Media and Communications, will serve as interim Deputy General Secretary.

All processes initiated in preparation for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27 have also been suspended.

A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF.

Furthermore, the Chairmen, appointed Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been asked to step aside.

They have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers (COOs), who are members of staff of the NFF.

Where the COOs are not members of staff of the NFF, the Acting General Secretary shall deploy a new COO from the Federation.

These interim measures are intended to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian Football during the transition.

They will also be in place pending conclusion of engagements with FIFA, CAF, Government and stakeholders to design a roadmap towards the comprehensive reforms envisaged forNigerian football, and the next steps for activation.

Further changes and directives are expected to be communicated in due course.(www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Olawale Alabi