Stakeholders’ meeting on NFF crisis holds amid tight security and suspension of federation’s electoral process
The headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja came under heavy security presence on Monday as FIFA and CAF officials began consultations with Nigerian football stakeholders.
The joint delegation from world football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) arrived in Abuja for a two-day assessment of the crisis affecting Nigerian football.
The international football bodies are expected to meet various stakeholders as part of efforts to assess the situation and determine the next steps.
However, security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police Force reportedly restricted access to the NFF secretariat.
More than 20 security personnel were deployed around the football federation’s headquarters inside Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Visitors and stakeholders were subjected to security checks, while access to the premises was reportedly restricted.
NFF Headquarters Under Tight Security
A Blueprint correspondent who visited the premises reported that some stakeholders were prevented from entering the NFF complex.
A veteran sports journalist and Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Ben Ogbemudia, was reportedly stopped by DSS operatives while attempting to enter the premises.
Security personnel also reportedly told journalists that they had received instructions preventing them from entering or operating within the secretariat.
The restrictions came as FIFA and CAF began their high-level assessment of the crisis and controversial restructuring of the NFF.
An official vehicle from the State House was also reportedly seen at the NFF premises delivering documents ahead of the management meeting.
FIFA, CAF Assess NFF Crisis
The FIFA and CAF delegation arrived in Nigeria on Sunday night ahead of meetings scheduled for September 14 and 15.
According to the source, Nigerian security officials received the FIFA officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport before their Abuja engagements.
The mission followed a September 7 decision by FIFA and CAF to suspend the ongoing NFF electoral process.
The two football bodies said the suspension would allow them to assess the circumstances surrounding the crisis and engage relevant stakeholders.
They have also indicated that no final decision has been reached on possible sanctions.
The suspension has effectively placed the planned NFF elective congress, scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on hold.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
The latest crisis intensified after NFF President Ibrahim Gusau resigned on August 27.
The federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the Executive Committee subsequently resigned.
The mass resignations created a leadership crisis and triggered discussions involving the Federal Government, National Sports Commission, NFF, FIFA and CAF.
FIFA subsequently accepted the resignations and agreed to continue discussions with the Nigerian government, NFF administration and CAF on a roadmap for reforms.
A Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko also met FIFA officials in Zurich on September 1.
The meeting focused on developing reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive and stable Nigerian football federation.
Stakeholders Clash Over Representation
Another disagreement has emerged over who should represent Nigerian football stakeholders during the FIFA and CAF consultations.
The NFF reportedly selected nine state Football Association chairmen and 18 other representatives for the engagement.
The arrangement has attracted objections from some stakeholders who want broader representation.
Players’ union representatives and other groups have reportedly questioned the composition of the delegation.
Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Initiative, reportedly called for stronger representation of players during the process.
The disagreement highlights the wider divisions over how Nigerian football should be restructured.
Financial Accountability Becomes Another Issue
Financial accountability has also emerged as part of the concerns surrounding the NFF.
Reports have raised questions about the management of funds received from FIFA and CAF, alongside government intervention funds.
The concerns have increased calls for greater transparency and accountability within the federation.
The FIFA and CAF intervention therefore comes amid wider questions about leadership, finances, governance and the future electoral structure of Nigerian football.
What Happens Next?
FIFA and CAF are expected to hear from different groups before deciding their next course of action.
The assessment could influence the timetable for the next NFF elections and determine how the federation’s leadership structure develops.
For now, the electoral process remains suspended.
The tight security around the NFF headquarters has further heightened expectations ahead of the stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
The outcome of the FIFA and CAF consultations could become a major turning point in Nigeria’s latest football administration crisis.
