NFF Grassroots Elections in Doubt as Football Federation Transition Continues

Posted : 28 September 2026

Plans for fresh elections into Nigeria’s 36 State Football Associations and local football council structures are now uncertain as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues its transition and reform process. The proposed elections were part of plans to restructure football administration from the grassroots level upward.

NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme had previously indicated that elections could be conducted across the states, with local football council polls expected to come before State FA elections. However, the process has reportedly been placed in doubt following developments surrounding the proposed Normalisation Committee.

The NFF’s wider transition began after President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee resigned on August 27. The federation subsequently confirmed that all processes linked to the September 27 elective congress had been suspended.

The NFF said a fresh electoral process would begin after comprehensive reforms conducted in consultation with FIFA and CAF. Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme was also endorsed to oversee the NFF Secretariat as interim General Secretary during the transition.

The proposed Normalisation Committee has since become a major part of discussions over the future structure of Nigerian football. Reports indicate that CAF and FIFA officials held meetings with Nigerian football stakeholders in September as part of efforts to determine the appropriate reform process.

The Guardian reported that stakeholders had agreed in principle to a Normalisation Committee to oversee the NFF for a period of no more than one year. However, FIFA’s Council was expected to make the final decision on the proposed arrangement after reviewing reports from the CAF and FIFA fact-finding mission.

The uncertainty surrounding the grassroots elections could therefore affect the composition of the NFF Congress. State Football Association chairmen and other representatives form an important part of the federation’s congress structure, making the timing and conduct of State FA elections relevant to any future NFF electoral process.

BSN Sports reported that the proposed State FA and local council elections could now be abandoned if the anticipated transition arrangement takes effect. The report also said the proposed Normalisation Committee is expected to complete its mandate before a new NFF board emerges, although an official timetable for the grassroots elections has not been confirmed.

The NFF has not publicly issued a directive formally cancelling the State FA or local council elections. Until the federation, FIFA and CAF announce a definitive roadmap, the status and timing of the proposed grassroots polls remain subject to the ongoing reform process.

NFF Grassroots Elections in Doubt as Football Federation Transition Continues

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