BREAKING: FIFA, CAF Suspend NFF Electoral Process, Order Status Quo

World football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process as they investigate the crisis currently engulfing the federation.

The directive was contained in a letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme.

FIFA and CAF said their intervention followed several communications concerning developments within the NFF, including notifications about the resignations of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary, as well as correspondence from other Nigerian football stakeholders.

The two continental and global football authorities said they are currently examining the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the situation.

Importantly, FIFA and CAF stressed that they have not yet reached any conclusions on the issues under review and have made no determination on what their next steps will be.

As part of the immediate measures, FIFA and CAF requested that the ongoing NFF electoral process be suspended.

They instructed that no further steps or decisions connected to the electoral process should be taken until further notice.

According to the letter, the request is intended to preserve the status quo while FIFA and CAF complete their assessment and consult the various stakeholders. The organisations also clarified that the suspension should not be interpreted as a ruling on the validity of any decisions or positions taken by stakeholders.

FIFA and CAF further asked the NFF administration to communicate the directive to all relevant stakeholders, including the federation’s electoral bodies.

The two football governing bodies also announced plans for a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.

The mission is expected to meet representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, the federation’s electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).

FIFA and CAF said the mission will enable them to gather information and better understand the circumstances surrounding the recent developments within Nigerian football.

Following the assessment, the organisations will decide whether recommendations or proposals should be presented to their respective decision-making bodies. They cautioned that the outcome remains open and that no assumptions should yet be made about possible sanctions or other actions.

The development represents a significant intervention in the administration of Nigerian football, with the country’s football leadership and electoral process now subject to scrutiny by both FIFA and CAF.