The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved a series of significant reforms to its governance structure, including changes to its statutes and electoral processes, as it prepares for its 2026 elections.
The decisions were taken at an Extraordinary General Assembly held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where Congress unanimously endorsed proposals submitted by the NFF Executive Committee. These included amendments to the NFF Statutes (March 2026 Edition), the Electoral Code, and the Standing Orders of the General Assembly.
A key outcome of the meeting was the ratification of the Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee, bodies that will oversee the upcoming elections. A total of 12 members were selected following nominations from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The appointees include Matthew Burkala (SAN) and Emmanuel Dada Obafemi representing the North Central zone; Alhaji Babagoni Grema and Barrister Benjamin Sak from the North East; Bature Musa and Professor Abdulmalik Awwal from the North West; Justice C.J. Aneke and Arinze Azubuike Anughere from the South East; Akogun Olugbenga Omole and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi from the South West; as well as Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie (Esq.) and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam from the South South.
The members are expected to be formally inaugurated in Abuja on 25 March 2026, where they will organise themselves into the two committees and elect their respective chairpersons. In accordance with the Electoral Code, the Electoral Committee will consist of five full members and two alternates, while the Appeals Committee will comprise three full members and two alternates.
The Assembly also approved the appointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the federation’s new independent auditor for an initial four-year term. The firm was selected following what officials described as a rigorous process involving seven competing companies. Outgoing auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) were commended for their nine years of service to the federation.
Looking ahead, Congress confirmed that the NFF Elective Congress will be held on 26 September 2026 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, marking a key milestone in the federation’s electoral calendar.
Members of the Assembly also passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the NFF Executive Committee, led by president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, praising its efforts in advancing and developing football across the country.
The official communiqué from the meeting was prepared by a drafting committee chaired by Mohammed Nasir Saidu, alongside members Hajji Gafaar Liameed, Davidson Owumi, Yakubu Salma, Coach Ladan Bosso, and Dr Ademola Olajire.
The reforms are expected to shape the framework for the federation’s next electoral cycle, as Nigerian football authorities move to strengthen governance and ensure a structured transition ahead of the 2026 polls.
