FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have suspended the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral process indefinitely, deepening the crisis surrounding the leadership and governance of Nigerian football.
The decision follows the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, prompting the two international football governing bodies to launch a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
FIFA and CAF said the electoral process would remain suspended until further notice, directing that no further actions, decisions or procedures relating to the NFF election should be undertaken pending the conclusion of their assessment.
As part of immediate measures aimed at stabilising the federation, NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has been designated as the main point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF during the period.
The two bodies are currently examining the crisis from legal, governance, administrative and electoral perspectives, with particular focus on ensuring that the processes within the NFF comply with applicable FIFA and CAF statutes and regulations.
A joint FIFA and CAF assessment mission is also expected to be deployed to Abuja at the earliest opportunity.
The delegation is expected to meet with NFF administrators, key football stakeholders, electoral bodies and representatives of the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
FIFA and CAF stressed that their intervention does not amount to a decision to impose sanctions on the NFF.
According to the position communicated by the football authorities, no decision has been taken on possible sanctions or further measures, as investigations and consultations are still ongoing.
The suspension has effectively placed the NFF electoral timetable on hold and raised fresh uncertainty over the future leadership of Nigerian football.
The latest development also underscores the seriousness with which FIFA and CAF are treating the governance crisis, as both bodies seek to establish a clear and compliant framework before allowing the electoral process to resume.
Until the joint assessment is completed and further directives are issued, the NFF electoral process remains suspended.
