FIFA has given the Nigeria Football Federation and the Federal Government seven days to explain the circumstances surrounding the resignation of former NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, warning that failure to do so could trigger Nigeria’s suspension from FIFA and CAF competitions.

In a letter dated September 1, 2026, addressed to the NFF President and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, FIFA said it had “taken note with great concern” of reports that Gusau’s resignation followed a directive from the Presidency.

The letter, signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström on behalf of the FIFA Council, cited Articles 14, 19 and 13 of the FIFA Statutes, which require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without third-party interference, including from government authorities.

FIFA said any government intervention that removes elected football officials would breach those provisions and could attract sanctions.

The governing body asked for three things within seven days: written confirmation that Gusau’s resignation was voluntary and free of external pressure; an official explanation from the Federal Government on the circumstances of the resignation; and assurance that the NFF will continue operating in line with its statutes and FIFA regulations.

Should the response prove unsatisfactory, FIFA said its Council may consider immediately suspending the NFF from all FIFA and CAF activity, which would see a FIFA/CAF Normalisation Committee installed to run the federation’s daily affairs and organise fresh elections.

Gusau, alongside the NFF General Secretary and other Executive Committee members, resigned on August 27. The resignations also suspended the September 27 Elective Congress in Lafia, which Gusau had been favoured to win unopposed.

FIFA said it remains committed to supporting Nigerian football and urged all stakeholders to respect the NFF’s autonomy. (The Nation)