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The National Sports Commission (NSC) has endorsed Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Ikpeme, a former NFF deputy general secretary, will oversee the federation’s secretariat following the recent resignations of top officials.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau resigned on Thursday, while General Secretary Muhammad Sanusi also stepped down. Ademola Olajire, former NFF director of media and communications, has been appointed deputy general secretary.
The NFF said Ikpeme will lead the secretariat during the transition, pending consultations with FIFA and CAF.
The federation has also suspended all preparations for its elective congress scheduled for September 27.
“A fresh electoral process will commence following the completion of the anticipated comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with world football’s governing body, FIFA, and CAF,” the NFF said.
The federation also directed the chairmen of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) to hand over league administration to their chief operating officers.
It said the NFF would appoint new COOs where the existing officers are not NFF staff.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
Tinubu directed NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to work with the NFF secretariat and football stakeholders on the reform process.
The President also directed that FIFA and CAF be involved to ensure the reforms comply with international football rules and prevent possible sanctions over government interference.
