Ibrahim Gusau resigns as Nigeria football chief amid probe

Ibrahim Musa Gusau’s resignation leaves Nigeria’s football federation facing a leadership change during a deep institutional and sporting crisis. His departure comes only weeks before the NFF’s next elections, scheduled for September, and follows accusations of corruption and poor management.

Gusau announced his decision on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja. NFF secretary general Mohammed Sanusi and several members of the executive committee also stepped down. Gusau had led the federation since 2022. The move comes as Nigeria’s intelligence service, the DSS, investigates the alleged use of 17 billion naira released by the government in 2024 to settle outstanding payments to players and national-team officials.

Nigeria’s recent results have added pressure on the federation. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. The Super Falcons were beaten by Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations before losing 2-1 to South Africa in the decisive match for the 2027 World Cup. That result means Nigeria will miss the women’s World Cup for the first time. The incoming leadership will therefore inherit both the investigation and a national-team programme in decline.