The resignation of Ibrahim Gusau as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on August 27 came as a surprise to many, as such high-profile resignations are uncommon in Nigerian football.

Gusau’s exit came at a difficult time for Nigerian football. The Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history, while the Super Eagles also missed out on another World Cup appearance.

Ordinarily, failures of this nature are followed by promises to “go back to the drawing board” or, in some cases, silence from those in charge.

But according to renowned sports broadcaster Wale Agbede, Gusau’s resignation could provide an opportunity for Nigerian football to reassess its direction.

“I think it has been unfortunate, but also eye-opening,” Agbede told DAILY POST.

“When you look at the record of that administration, you go back to the World Cup qualifiers for the Super Eagles, and the issue Alex Iwobi raised comes to mind.

“They had been booked in a hotel that was quite noisy and the team was unable to get proper rest.

“To now find out that there were monies given to the NFF leadership, with talks of N17 billion flying around, and to learn that not every stone was left unturned to ensure that Nigeria qualified for the men’s World Cup, is quite unfortunate.

“And this is amid all the allegations of corruption and ineptitude.”

Agbede, however, warned that it was too early to conclude that Gusau’s resignation would mark a turning point for Nigerian football.

“We can’t say it’s going to be a turning point in Nigerian football for sure,” he said.

“Because in the end, with the recent events, we can still see familiar faces. People who have been around the corridors of power are still the ones driving this conversation, especially with the trip to FIFA.

“But it does give off that feeling that maybe this is the drawing board we always said we wanted to go back to. Hopefully, the drawing board is cleaned properly before new handwritings are inscribed on it.

“The negative press surrounding the failure of Nigerian football across different strata under the Gusau administration was just too embarrassing.”

Government interference concerns

Gusau’s resignation was soon followed by speculation that he had been forced out of office through government pressure.

The concerns came amid President Bola Tinubu’s directive for “comprehensive reforms” in Nigerian football.

Earlier this week, reports also emerged that FIFA was unhappy with how the changes at the NFF were handled and could impose sanctions.

The NFF, however, dismissed the reports, insisting that FIFA had formally accepted the resignations of its former principal officers and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.

Agbede does not believe the situation amounts to government interference that could put Nigeria at odds with FIFA.

“I don’t think there has been government interference,” he said.

“Even if there has been government interference, it has probably been verbal and not formal. So it’s not anything that could cause problems with FIFA.

“I think that the government has handled this very carefully. The president’s statement didn’t come until after all the resignations.

“But everything has gone through the National Sports Commission, NSC. And from recent events, we can see that they are carrying FIFA along.

“There is a clear transitional plan and, in the context of how FIFA describes government interference which causes problems for countries, I think for the first time the Nigerian government managed it very well. They were very well advised, I’d assume.”

Who will replace Gusau?

With Gusau out of office, attention has now shifted to who will emerge as the next NFF president.

Several names, including former footballers and experienced sports administrators, have already been discussed by fans and pundits.

Agbede revealed that at least one prominent businessman with strong links to Nigerian football has been approached about taking the role but has so far rejected it.

“I can say for sure that a certain businessman who has ties with several Nigerian football clubs and has made heavy investments in the game has been directly spoken to in terms of becoming the next NFF president, and he has soundly rejected the role as of today,” he said.

“And I add that caveat because in Nigeria, people can change their mind.

“I can tell you for free that he has been placed under a lot of pressure directly from Abuja to accept the role.

“He is being very careful in terms of making a decision.”

Another name generating discussion is Michael Emenalo, the former Chelsea technical director who recently left his position in the Saudi Pro League.

Agbede believes Emenalo’s appointment would represent a significant change in the way Nigerian football is managed.

“I know there are other names that have been bandied around. Some people have been clamouring for names like Michael Emenalo, formerly of Chelsea and who just left the Saudi Pro League.

“I find that very interesting. Because an appointment like Emenalo could signal an actual mind shift.

“My opinion is that there is still a mind shift problem and we still don’t see football as something that could add to Nigeria’s GDP. We don’t see it as business yet, which is the real problem around Nigerian football.

“I can’t say if Emenalo has been sounded. From my personal observation, I don’t think he would want to come to Nigeria and take this very political role.

“But in terms of who becomes the next NFF president, I struggle to pick out a name.”

NFF Crisis: FIFA Averts Ban as Gusau Resigns and Reform Roadmap Begins

Comments (0)