FIFA and CAF have formally followed up on the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reform process, requesting the suspension of the ongoing electoral process and announcing plans for a joint assessment mission to Abuja.
In a letter dated 7 September 2026 and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA and CAF said they are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the recent developments within the Nigeria Football Federation.
The latest communication follows the meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 1 September, involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
FIFA and CAF said their assessment is based on the various communications received from the NFF, government authorities and other football stakeholders following the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary.
Electoral process suspended pending assessment
As part of the ongoing process, FIFA and CAF have requested that the NFF electoral process be suspended, with no further steps or decisions taken in relation to the elections until further notice.
The international bodies explained that the request is intended to preserve the status quo while they complete their assessment and engage with the relevant stakeholders.
However, FIFA and CAF stressed that the decision does not constitute a determination on the validity of any action, decision, process or position advanced by any of the stakeholders involved in the Nigerian football situation.
They also made clear that no final conclusion has yet been reached.
Ikpeme designated as primary contact
FIFA and CAF have further requested that Emmanuel Ikpeme serve as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.
The request is intended to facilitate communication and coordination throughout the assessment process.
Ikpeme has consequently been placed at the centre of the communication structure as FIFA and CAF continue their engagement with Nigerian football authorities and stakeholders.
Joint FIFA-CAF mission to Abuja
Another major element of the latest communication is the planned joint FIFA and CAF assessment mission to Abuja.
The two governing bodies said the mission will take place at the earliest possible opportunity and will provide an opportunity to engage directly with stakeholders and obtain the information required for a comprehensive assessment.
The proposed meetings will involve:
- Representatives of the NFF administration;
- Representatives of NFF members;
- Representatives of the NFF electoral bodies; and
- Representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).
FIFA and CAF have requested the NFF’s assistance in coordinating the logistical arrangements and facilitating the meetings.
No decision yet on the eventual outcome
The Abuja mission is expected to give FIFA and CAF a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within the NFF, the positions of the various stakeholders and the issues that may require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.
Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF said they will determine whether any recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective competent decision-making bodies.
For now, however, the outcome remains open.
The letter specifically cautions stakeholders against making assumptions about what action FIFA and CAF may eventually take.
Reform process enters a critical phase
The latest communication represents an important development in Nigeria’s football reform process.
Rather than immediately endorsing or rejecting any of the positions emerging from the crisis, FIFA and CAF have opted for a fact-finding and assessment process, while placing the electoral process on hold.
The approach also creates an avenue for the Federal Government, the NFF administration, electoral bodies and NFF members to present their respective positions directly to FIFA and CAF. The forthcoming Abuja mission could therefore become a decisive stage in determining the structure and direction of the next phase of Nigerian football administration.