The development comes after the board faced intense pressure over the poor management of Nigerian football, culminating in a series of high-profile national team failures.
Reason for Resignation
Vanguard reported that the NFF leadership had come under severe scrutiny following the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup — the first time Nigeria has missed the tournament since its inception in 1991. This setback followed the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a second consecutive absence for the men’s team.
The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and were later defeated 2-1 by South Africa in the World Cup qualification play-off.
Probe into Federal Funds
According to Vanguard, the board had also been under investigation by security agencies over the management of funds released by the Federal Government for national teams. The Department of State Services (DSS) is probing the utilisation of a ₦17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
An authoritative source told Vanguard that the DSS was examining documents related to the funds as part of standard procedure.
Board Members Step Down
Vanguard further reported that eight of the 13 members of the NFF board had allegedly quit their positions prior to the latest developments. The cumulative pressure from national team failures, public criticism and official scrutiny ultimately led to the resignations of Gusau and other board members.
The resignations are expected to affect the NFF elective congress that had been scheduled for 27 September in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The full implications for the governance of Nigerian football are still unfolding, with further official statements anticipated in the coming days.