FIFA to Vet NSC’s Eight Nominees for NFF Normalisation Committee

Posted : 04 September 2026

FIFA is expected to vet eight nominees proposed by the National Sports Commission for Nigeria’s planned NFF Normalisation Committee. The process comes as FIFA and Nigerian football authorities continue discussions on a roadmap for comprehensive reforms.

The development was disclosed by a football stakeholder who spoke anonymously. According to the source, the NSC will recommend the nominees, while FIFA will conduct background checks before determining who will lead the committee.

“The National Sports Commission will recommend names of the eight-man Normalisation Committee to FIFA, but FIFA will do a thorough background check,” the stakeholder said. The source also claimed that FIFA would appoint and remunerate the committee chairman.

The latest development follows a meeting in Zurich involving FIFA, CAF, the NSC and the NFF administration. FIFA confirmed on September 1 that the parties had agreed to continue working on a roadmap designed to deliver short, medium and long-term reforms to Nigerian football.

The proposed committee is expected to review several areas of football administration. The stakeholder said the reforms would target transparency, accountability, professional appointments and the wider structure of the Nigerian football ecosystem.

The NFF Congress is also expected to come under scrutiny. State football associations currently hold 37 votes within the electoral structure, and the stakeholder argued that this gives one group too much influence compared with other football stakeholders.

The source stressed, however, that the NFF Congress would remain the supreme decision-making body. Any major changes to the federation’s statutes or electoral structure would therefore require Congress approval.

The proposed reforms could also expand the composition of the NFF Congress. The stakeholder said clubs, referees, coaches, players, former players, corporate organisations, supporters, schools, academies, the media and the armed forces should have stronger representation.

The move follows the resignation of the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board and the suspension of the federation’s previously scheduled elective process. The NSC had earlier announced plans for a normalisation arrangement as part of the wider reorganisation of Nigerian football.

Recent reports indicate that the committee’s final composition, mandate and duration are still being discussed with FIFA. One report said the proposed body could operate for six months to one year, while its members would be required to pass FIFA integrity and eligibility checks.

The NSC’s reform drive is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for comprehensive changes to Nigerian football governance, stakeholder representation, development pathways and accountability.

FIFA to Vet NSC’s Eight Nominees for NFF Normalisation Committee

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