Ibrahim Gusau has resigned as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), bringing his nearly four-year tenure at the helm of Nigerian football to an end.
Gusau announced his resignation at a news conference in Abuja, saying the decision was driven by his love for Nigeria and his commitment to the development of football in the country.
His resignation comes after weeks of speculation about his continued stay in office and amid growing concerns about Nigeria’s recent performances in international competitions.
“I have decided to resign my position as the President of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends,” Gusau said.
He added that he had advised members of the NFF Executive Committee who were willing to follow his decision to resign as well.
“I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well,” he said.
“For me, I want to make it clear that, by the grace of God, we will continue to give our contribution.
“Our experience, connections and relationships within African football will never go in vain.
“We will do our best to ensure that whenever we are needed, we will contribute to the progress of Nigerian football,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Gusau highlighted what he described as progress in coaching education, domestic league administration, refereeing and infrastructure development.
He said the NFF organised several coaching programmes, including the CAF B Licence, CAF C Licence and Coaching Instructors’ Course, while the CAF A Licence programme is scheduled to begin on September 16.
On domestic football, Gusau said his administration made progress in stabilising the country’s leagues, which he described as one of the major challenges inherited by the board.
He also pointed to improvements in Nigerian refereeing, saying the federation introduced young officials into the system and provided them with opportunities for training and development.
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Gusau expressed optimism that continued investment in the development of young referees would strengthen Nigeria’s representation at major international competitions.
He identified inadequate infrastructure as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian football, saying his administration prioritised the issue through funds available under FIFA development programmes.
Gusau said he believed the efforts would leave a lasting mark on Nigerian football, adding that history would judge the board on its efforts to address the country’s infrastructure deficit.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the development of Nigerian football whenever his experience and contribution are needed.
