FIFA, CAF and NSC Begin Screening Candidates for NFF Normalisation Committee

Posted : 27 October 2026

FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) have begun screening candidates for the Normalisation Committee that will oversee Nigerian football following months of leadership uncertainty at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

FIFA approved the establishment of the committee in October 2026. Its mandate is to manage the federation’s affairs, implement necessary reforms and organise fresh elections for the NFF executive committee. The committee’s tenure must end once its assigned responsibilities are completed, and no later than May 31, 2027.

The screening process is reportedly being conducted through consultations involving FIFA, CAF and the NSC. According to information published by The Guardian, two candidates are being considered for the committee’s chairmanship, while three women are also among those undergoing screening for positions within the proposed body.

Rivers United chairman Chris Green and Senior Advocate of Nigeria AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha have emerged as reported contenders for the chairmanship. However, the final appointments have not been officially announced.

An NFF official indicated that FIFA would publicly disclose the committee’s membership after consultations with the relevant organisations. The process is expected to determine the individuals who will guide Nigerian football through the transition period.

A key condition attached to the appointments is that members of the Normalisation Committee will not be eligible to contest the positions to be filled during the next NFF elections. The restriction is intended to separate the temporary administration of the federation from the subsequent electoral process.

The development follows the mass resignation of former NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee on August 27, 2026. Their departure came amid mounting concerns about the direction of Nigerian football and demands for administrative reforms.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup added to the pressure on the federation. The Super Eagles missed out on the tournament, while the Super Falcons also failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The women’s team’s absence from the 2027 competition ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the tournament since its inaugural staging in China in 1991.

The Normalisation Committee will therefore face several important responsibilities, including stabilising the federation, addressing governance concerns and preparing the ground for fresh elections. Its work will be closely watched by clubs, state football associations, players and supporters seeking greater stability in Nigerian football.

The appointment process remains a significant step in the effort to restore an elected administration to the NFF. FIFA’s May 31, 2027 deadline places a clear limit on the committee’s tenure and establishes a timeframe for completing its assigned duties.

FIFA, CAF and NSC Begin Screening Candidates for NFF Normalisation Committee

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