As expected, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended its scheduled September 27 Elective Congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State, saying a fresh electoral process would be announced as part of a broader comprehensive reform of the country’s football,
On Thursday, embattled NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau finally resigned alongside the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi and all the board members after months of dilly-dallying following the decline in the country’s football.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup that held in United States of America, Canada and Mexico, in addition the Super Falcons failed to defend the WAFCON and regrettably missed out on qualifying for the mundial for the first time since the inaugural edition in 1991.
VDCInsighst reports that the decision to suspend the elective congress was contained in a statement issued by the NFF on Thursday, which said a new electoral process would commence after the completion of the proposed NFF reforms, in consultation with world football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The statement read in part “All processes initiated in preparation for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for 27 September have also been suspended. 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,” .
As part of the interim administrative arrangements, Dr Ademola Olajire, who previously served as the NFF Director of Media and Communications, has been appointed to serve as Interim Deputy General Secretary.
The NFF also announced changes to the administration of the country’s major domestic leagues.
Consequently, Chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective leagues to their Chief Operating Officers (COOs), who must be members of staff of the Federation.
The statement specifically pointed out that where the current COO of any of the leagues is not an NFF staff member, the Acting General Secretary has been mandated to deploy a new COO from within the federation.
According to the statement the latest measures are part of an interim arrangement designed to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football while consultations on far-reaching reforms continue.
The federation is expected to engage FIFA, CAF, the government and other relevant stakeholders in developing a roadmap for the proposed reforms before a new electoral timetable is established.
