Ibrahim Gusau has resigned as President of the Nigeria Football Federation, stepping down amid growing criticism of the country’s football administration.
Gusau announced his resignation during a press conference at the NFF Glass House in Abuja on Thursday.
He said he decided to leave office to give other Nigerians an opportunity to contribute to the development of football in the country.
The NFF president acknowledged the recent setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams, including the failure of the Super Eagles and Super Falcons to qualify for the World Cup, but maintained that he was leaving the federation in a better position than he found it.
“I just want to tell you that I decided to resign my position as the NFF President. I informed my board members and advised them that anybody who wants to follow me to also resign, but as I am talking to you I cannot tell you who and who or how many board members that have resigned,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi also announced his resignation while addressing members of the federation’s secretariat.
Gusau said he would continue to contribute to Nigerian football and make his experience and relationships within African football available whenever needed.
“By the grace of God I hope I can continue to give my contributions because the experience and relationship we have within the African football, we will never allow it to go in vain,” he said.
Gusau was elected NFF president at the federation’s 78th Elective Congress in September 2022 and resigned before the end of his tenure.
His resignation comes as the NFF prepares for its board elections scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, potentially raising questions about the federation’s electoral process.