The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as fake a purported letter allegedly issued by FIFA seeking clarification over claims of government interference in the affairs of Nigerian football.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, the NFF said the circulating document did not originate from the world football governing body, adding that FIFA had already accepted the resignations of the federation’s former principal officers and members of its Executive Committee.
The development came as a Nigerian delegation comprising officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and key football stakeholders met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland, to discuss the ongoing restructuring and reform of Nigerian football.
The delegation was led by NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, while former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick, was also in attendance.
The meeting followed the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the federation’s Executive Committee amid growing calls for reforms in Nigerian football. The NFF subsequently established an interim administrative structure, appointing Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary and Ademola Olajire as interim Deputy General Secretary.
The purported FIFA letter had claimed that the world football body was concerned that Gusau’s resignation followed a directive from the Presidency and allegedly warned of possible sanctions, including suspension.
However, the NFF maintained that the letter was fabricated and stressed that engagement between the NSC, the NFF, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA was ongoing to develop a roadmap for comprehensive reforms in accordance with relevant football statutes.
The federation has faced increasing scrutiny following the performances of Nigeria’s national teams, with stakeholders renewing calls for reforms in football administration and greater investment in grassroots development.
