NSC Names Emmanuel Ikpeme Acting NFF President After Gusau’s Exit

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has approved Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as the interim General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the federation’s Executive Committee.

Ikpeme, who previously served as the NFF Deputy General Secretary, is expected to oversee the federation’s Secretariat during the transition period and ensure the continuity of its administrative operations.

The commission also appointed Dr Ademola Olajire, the former Director of Media and Communications, as interim Deputy General Secretary.

According to Ireporter Online, the NSC has suspended all activities connected to the NFF Elective Congress earlier scheduled for September 27. The commission said a fresh electoral process would be initiated after the proposed reforms of Nigerian football are concluded in consultation with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders.

As part of the interim measures, the NSC also directed the chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One to transfer the administration of their respective competitions to their Chief Operating Officers.

The commission further instructed the Acting General Secretary to assign an NFF staff member to serve as COO in any league where the existing officer is not a federation employee.

The NSC said the measures were designed to maintain stability and uninterrupted administration of Nigerian football while discussions continue with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government and other stakeholders on the proposed reform programme and the process for its implementation.