Former Super Eagles defender Shehu Abdullahi has called for Ibrahim Musa Gusau to be kept away from football administration following the former NFF president’s resignation, declaring that “someone like you should never be allowed to be close to any football activities.”
Abdullahi made the explosive statement on his verified Facebook account while reacting to Gusau’s decision to step down as president of the Nigeria Football Federation. He also congratulated Nigerian football supporters, saying: “Congratulations to all football fans in Nigeria, now we are free.”
The former international questioned Gusau’s record in his home state of Zamfara, writing: “Even in Zamfara State what can you show? Nothing, nothing, nothing.” He then concluded his reaction with a direct call for Gusau to remain away from football activities.
The comments came after Gusau announced his resignation at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday. The former president said his decision followed consultations with his family, friends and stakeholders and advised members of the Executive Committee to independently consider their own positions.
Abdullahi is not an outsider to Nigerian football. A former Kano Pillars player, he represented Nigeria at several levels before establishing himself in the senior national team. He was part of Nigeria’s squad during the 2018 FIFA World Cup cycle and later featured at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles won bronze.
He also represented Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, helping the country win the bronze medal. His senior international career spanned 2014 to 2019, with statistical databases recording between 30 and 37 senior appearances depending on the classification of matches.
The defensive midfielder and right-back also enjoyed a lengthy club career abroad, playing in Kuwait, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey and Bulgaria. His honours included the 2014 AFC Cup with Qadsia and domestic trophies with Qadsia and Omonia.
His attack comes at a critical juncture for Nigerian football. Gusau’s resignation was accompanied by that of NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee, leaving the federation facing a major leadership transition.
The NFF crisis followed a succession of setbacks for Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles missed the 2026 World Cup, while the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup after their playoff defeat by South Africa — ending Nigeria’s uninterrupted participation in the women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
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