FIFA, CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, Order Halt to September 27 Poll
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Onuegbu
ABUJA — FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have suspended further steps in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral process scheduled for September 27, 2026, following recent leadership changes within the federation.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated September 7, 2026, addressed to the NFF Deputy General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.
The letter, signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, stated that FIFA and CAF are jointly assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of recent developments within the NFF.
The development followed the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, raising questions about the implications of the changes for the federation's ongoing electoral process.
According to the football governing bodies, their review is focused on the NFF's regulatory framework as well as the positions of relevant stakeholders.
FIFA and CAF stressed that no decision had yet been reached on the appropriate next steps, indicating that the assessment remains ongoing.
As an interim measure, the two organisations directed that all further activities relating to the NFF elections be suspended in order to preserve the status quo pending the outcome of their review.
The directive covers further actions connected to the electoral process and is intended to prevent developments that could complicate the ongoing assessment.
FIFA and CAF, however, clarified that the suspension should not be interpreted as a ruling on the validity or otherwise of decisions already taken by the NFF or other stakeholders..
Rather, the measure is aimed at creating room for proper coordination among the parties while the international football authorities examine the situation.
The NFF Deputy General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, has also been designated as the primary liaison between the federation and FIFA and CAF during the assessment.
The two football bodies further disclosed plans to undertake a joint assessment mission to Abuja.
The mission is expected to engage with the NFF administration, members of the federation, electoral bodies and representatives of the Federal Government, including officials of the National Sports Commission.
FIFA and CAF said the engagement would enable them to obtain information required for a comprehensive assessment of the situation under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF statutes and regulatory provisions.
The outcome of the assessment mission is expected to guide the next phase of the process.
Following the mission, FIFA and CAF will determine whether recommendations should be presented to their respective decision-making bodies for consideration.
Until that process is completed, no final position has been announced on the future of the NFF electoral process or the September 27 election date.
The suspension therefore puts the immediate progression of the NFF election on hold as FIFA, CAF and relevant Nigerian stakeholders seek to establish the appropriate way forward.
The international football authorities have urged all stakeholders to refrain from taking further action relating to the electoral process pending the conclusion of the assessment.
The latest development adds a new layer of uncertainty to the leadership transition at the NFF, with the federation's electoral calendar now subject to the outcome of consultations between the Nigerian football authorities, FIFA, CAF and the Federal Government.
For now, the September 27 election cannot proceed with further electoral activities while the joint review remains in progress.
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