Ibrahim Gusau has confirmed his resignation as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), saying his decision was informed by his love for Nigeria and commitment to the development of football.

Mr Gusau announced his resignation at a news conference in Abuja, ending his three years and 11 months in charge of Nigerian football.

The development followed speculations in several quarters over his continued stay in office.

Mr Gusau said he had also advised members of the NFF Executive Committee willing to follow his decision to resign.

“I have decided to resign my position as the president of NFF after consultations with my family and friends. I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well,” he said.

He, however, said he could not immediately confirm the number or identities of board members who had resigned.

According to him, the affected members had yet to communicate their decisions directly to him.

Mr Gusau’s resignation trailed concerns over Nigeria’s recent shoddy performances at international football events.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s age-grade teams also recorded disappointing results, with the Golden Eaglets failing to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in three consecutive editions.

Mr Gusau, however, said he would continue to contribute to the development of Nigerian football through his experience, relationships and connections within African football.

He said his knowledge and contacts would remain available whenever required to advance the development of the game in the country.

“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.

Mr Gusau also highlighted some of the achievements recorded during his tenure, particularly in coaching education, league administration, refereeing and infrastructure development.

He said the NFF conducted several categories of coaching courses, including the CAF B Licence, CAF C Licence and Coaching Instructors’ Course.

According to him, the CAF A Licence programme is expected to commence on September 16.

Mr Gusau said his administration made progress in stabilising the domestic leagues, which he described as a major challenge inherited by the board.

On refereeing, he said the federation inherited a difficult situation, particularly with the limited representation of Nigerian officials at continental and global competitions.

He said the NFF introduced young and talented referees into the system and provided them with opportunities for training and development.

“Today, we are beginning to see the results. At the last Under-17 World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigerian referees were among the officials and even handled some of the semi-final matches,” he said.

Mr Gusau expressed optimism that sustained investment in the training and development of young referees would improve Nigeria’s representation at major international competitions.

He also identified inadequate infrastructure as one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigerian football.

According to him, the board prioritised infrastructure development through funds available under FIFA’s development programmes.

“As a board, we sat down and identified infrastructure as one of our greatest needs.

“We also recognised the need for permanent accommodation and training facilities for our national teams, and we are currently working on that.

“I believe history will judge us on this, and Nigerians will remember that we played our part in addressing the infrastructure challenge,” he said.

Mr Gusau said he remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at advancing Nigerian football whenever his contribution was required. 

(NAN)