The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported letter allegedly issued by world football governing body FIFA warning Nigeria over alleged government interference in the administration of football.
The document, which circulated in sections of the media, reportedly warned that Nigeria could face suspension from FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions if the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau was found to have resulted from pressure by the Federal Government.
However, the NFF on Tuesday rejected the purported communication, describing it as “totally fake” and insisting that the document did not originate from FIFA.
The federation said FIFA had already accepted the resignations of Gusau, former NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
According to the NFF, the resignations should be viewed within the context of the ongoing reform process involving key stakeholders in Nigerian football.
“FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the federation stated.
It added that consultations among the National Sports Commission (NSC), NFF administration, CAF and FIFA were ongoing to develop a comprehensive reform programme for Nigerian football.
“Mutual engagement between the NSC, NFF administration, CAF is ongoing with FIFA on the comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, including agreeing a road map going forward in accordance to the relevant rule books and statutes,” the federation said.
The clarification followed the mass resignation of Gusau, Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee on August 27.
Gusau, who had served as NFF president since 2022, said his resignation was aimed at creating room for a comprehensive and orderly reform process to address longstanding institutional, governance and developmental challenges affecting Nigerian football.
Following the resignations, the NSC endorsed former NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme to oversee the federation’s secretariat as interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire was appointed interim Deputy General Secretary.
The NFF subsequently suspended preparations for its elective congress, with a fresh electoral process expected after the completion of the reform programme being carried out in consultation with FIFA and CAF.
The latest statement from the federation contradicts key claims contained in the purported FIFA letter, particularly the allegation that the global football body had issued an immediate warning of suspension over alleged government intervention.
The fake document had claimed that FIFA was seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding Gusau’s resignation and could refer the matter to its Council if satisfactory explanations were not provided.
It further purportedly warned that Nigeria could be suspended from FIFA and CAF activities and that a Normalisation Committee could be appointed thereafter.
The NFF, however, urged stakeholders and the public to focus on the ongoing consultations between FIFA, CAF, the NSC and the NFF administration as efforts continue towards establishing a roadmap for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the state of football administration in the country, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.