*The President is an ambitious Leader With Targets
*The Favourite supported to go again for a Second Term 2027
*Contest again to retain your position
By Muhammad Sani Adamu (Dantsoho) a former Staff of the defunct New Nigerian Newspaper Ltd, Kaduna
Two Terms In Sha Allah! Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON (Kigon Gusau), President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). A Nigerian sports administrator, who has served as President of the (NFF) since 2022. He is a former chairman of Zamfara Football Association, a chairman of Chairmen on the NFF Board as well as a committee member of the CAF, and a member of CAF youth organising committee.
Simply because you played the game before, does not mean you can administer the game and continuity is always key to achieving results. Failure to secure World Cup qualifications twice didn’t start with this regime. Italy and Cameroun are among counties that did not make the World Cup either, because it’s not a birthright!
Ibrahim Musa Gusau is seeking re-election as NFF President.
Election Date and Venue:
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Venue: Lafia, Nasarawa State capital
Status of Gusau:
Gusau was first elected in 2022 and is now going for a second 4-year term.
Congress already passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the NFF Executive Committee led by him.
Endorsements so far:
- Lagos FA Chairman, Hajji Gafar called the statute amendment under Gusau a “masterstroke” and said he’s “well-positioned for re-election in September”.
- Oyo State FA: Expressed “unwavering and total support for the re-election bid” citing transparency, stability, and 3SC returning to continent after 27 years.
- Ben Akwuegbu: Former Super Eagles striker backed Gusau, saying his board restored “internal stability and harmony”.
- NFF Congress: Ratified amendments and reforms under his leadership.
What Gusau’s camp is campaigning on:
- Statute reforms: First amendment in 16 years to align with global standards. NPFL clubs now get 5 voting reps, NNL gets 4.
- Grassroots + Youth: School football, talent ID, players 15+ can sign pro contracts.
- Women’s football: All 3 women teams won laurels under him.
- Welfare: Consistent payment of bonuses/allowances, reduced disputes
- Sponsorships: MTN, GTI Investment, StarTimes deals.
- Infrastructure: NFF-FIFA Players Hostel + 2 practice pitches at Abuja Stadium.
Criticism:
Some voices are asking for accountability, questioning what Gusau achieved to justify a second term after World Cup misses. Analysts say youth teams performance is still a concern.
Ahead the election:
NFF inaugurated a 12-member Electoral Committee + Appeals Committee drawn from the 6 geopolitical zones on March 25, 2026. Ernst & Young were also approved as new auditors.
Other candidates: As of now, Chikelue Iloenyiosi and Calistus Ebare have declared interest for Executive Committee seats, but no major challenger to Gusau for President has been widely reported yet.
The race is on, and Gusau is the incumbent with a lot of FAs backing heading into September 26 in Lafia.
Alhaji MSA Dantsoho is a Retired Nigerian Premier League Referee and a Pioneer Premier League Assessor
