FIFA Screens NFF Normalisation Committee Nominees as Appointment Delay Continues

Posted : 05 November 2026

The appointment of members to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Normalisation Committee remains pending as FIFA continues its integrity screening and background checks on prospective nominees, according to the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The development comes amid growing concerns among Nigerian football stakeholders over the delay in constituting the intervention panel, which is expected to oversee reforms and restore stability to the country's football administration.

FIFA approved the establishment of the Normalisation Committee on October 22, 2026, following consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Nigerian authorities. The decision followed months of leadership uncertainty within the NFF and calls for changes to its administrative structure.

The committee will temporarily manage the federation's affairs, implement necessary reforms and organise fresh elections into the NFF Executive Committee. FIFA has stipulated that its mandate must end once its responsibilities are completed, but no later than May 31, 2027.

Speaking on the delay, Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, confirmed that the names of prospective committee members had already been submitted to FIFA.

He explained that the world football governing body was conducting background investigations, integrity assessments and interviews before giving final approval.

"Yes, the names of the members of the committee have been submitted to FIFA. But right now, FIFA is doing what they call a screening process and integrity test for all the people whose names have been submitted to serve as members of the Normalisation Committee.

"It is not a one-day thing. The process is ongoing, and interviews are also being conducted," Daniel stated.

He added that the delay reflected the joint nature of the arrangement, involving FIFA and Nigerian sports authorities rather than an independent NSC appointment process.

Meanwhile, the NFF's acting interim General Secretary, Dr Ademola Olajire, also attributed the delay to FIFA and CAF. When contacted for clarification, he simply stated that the announcement was in the hands of the two continental and global football governing bodies.

However, football reform advocate Jalla questioned the extent of FIFA's involvement in identifying suitable candidates. He argued that Nigerian authorities must play an active role in selecting credible individuals with sufficient knowledge of the country's football administration.

Jalla stressed that the priority should be appointing experienced administrators capable of delivering meaningful reforms rather than allowing disagreements over the selection process to prolong uncertainty.

He also expressed optimism that the committee would have enough time to complete its responsibilities before the May 31, 2027 deadline. He suggested December 1 as a reasonable date for the panel to begin operations.

The Normalisation Committee is expected to provide a pathway towards fresh NFF elections and improved governance. Under FIFA's directive, none of its members will be eligible to contest positions in the forthcoming elections.

Until the appointments are finalised, the NFF Secretariat will continue managing the federation's daily activities.

FIFA Screens NFF Normalisation Committee Nominees as Appointment Delay Continues

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