Why I resigned as NFF president – Gusau

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

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

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

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

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“I have decided to resign my position as the President of NFF, after consultations with my family and friends.

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“I have also advised my board members, those who are willing, to resign as well,” he said.

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

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

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Gusau’s resignation comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s recent performances in international football.

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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.

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

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

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

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“For me, I want to make it clear that, by the grace of God, we will continue to give our contribution.

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“Our experience, connections and relationships within African football will never go in vain.

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“We will do our best to ensure that whenever we are needed, we will contribute to the progress of Nigerian football,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“Today, we are beginning to see the results.

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“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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(NAN)

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