The Nigeria Football Federation has denied reports that world football governing body, FIFA, demanded clarification over alleged government interference in the affairs of the federation.
The NFF, in a statement posted on its X handle on Tuesday, described a purported letter circulating in sections of the media as fake.
The federation also said FIFA had already accepted the resignations of the former principal officers and members of the NFF Executive Committee.
“The NFF has debunked news of a ‘letter’ circulating in sections of the media as being from world football governing body, FIFA. It is totally fake. FIFA has already accepted the resignations of former principal officers and Members of the NFF Exco,” the federation stated.
The denial came as a delegation from the National Sports Commission and key Nigerian football stakeholders met FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, while former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick also attended the meeting.
According to reports, discussions centred on the ongoing restructuring of Nigerian football, recent leadership changes within the NFF and measures required to reposition the sport.
The meeting followed the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of his Executive Committee amid growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football.
Gusau, whose tenure was scheduled to end in September, confirmed his resignation during a news conference in Abuja last Thursday.
Following the development, the NFF appointed an interim administrative structure, with former Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme serving as interim general secretary.
Ademola Olajire, who previously headed the federation’s media and communications department, was also appointed interim deputy general secretary.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has called for reforms in Nigerian football following what he described as “repeated failures”.
The NFF has come under increased scrutiny over the performances of the country’s national and youth teams.
The Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive edition, while the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, marking the first time they would miss the tournament since its inception in 1991.
