NFF Crisis Explodes: Gusau, 7 Others Reportedly Resign Amid DSS Probe

The crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly deepened, with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and several members of the federation’s executive committee said to have resigned amid mounting pressure over the management of Nigerian football.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, the reported resignations followed growing criticism of the NFF after the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a historic setback for the women’s national team.

The NFF leadership has also come under scrutiny from security and anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), over the management of funds released by the Federal Government for Nigeria’s national teams.

The investigation reportedly centres on a ₦17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding wages, bonuses and other financial obligations owed to national team players.

A source reportedly told Vanguard that the DSS had commenced efforts to obtain documentation and explanations from NFF officials concerning how the funds allocated to the federation were utilised.

The source dismissed suggestions that the investigation amounted to witch-hunting, explaining that scrutinising documents relating to government funds was within the responsibilities of security agencies.

Meanwhile, the NFF executive committee led by Gusau was said to have faced increasing pressure to step aside following the federation’s recent challenges.

Reports indicate that eight of the 13 members of the NFF board have allegedly resigned from their positions.

The development comes after a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments and the Super Falcons suffering the unprecedented failure to secure qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Falcons’ World Cup hopes were further affected after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), ending their title defence and forcing them into a playoff route for World Cup qualification.