The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee on Saturday held a strategic meeting at the BON Hotel & Suites, Ibadan, where it approved key financial reports, reaffirmed its commitment to national teams, and rolled out decisions aimed at strengthening Nigerian football ahead of crucial international engagements.
The meeting, which coincided with the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Federation, was attended by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Vice Presidents Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Gbenga Elegbeleye, as well as several board members.
The committee expressed gratitude to Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde and the people of the state for hosting both the AGA delegates and the Falconets, who faced Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Ibadan.
Following a presentation by independent auditors PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the committee approved the consolidated and revised balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement for the year ended 31st December 2024.
It also endorsed the 2025 financial statements and proposed budget. With PwC’s tenure as auditor concluded, the NFF approved the process to appoint a new independent auditor, while praising PwC for years of “diligence and meritorious service.”
With the Super Eagles set to face Lesotho and Benin Republic in October’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the committee lauded NFF management for successfully lobbying FIFA to move Nigeria’s away fixture against Lesotho from Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium, citing poor pitch conditions.
It further directed the Secretariat to ensure smooth logistics, travel, accommodation, training, and match preparations for the national team.
The Flying Eagles’ opening match at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile against Norway was also discussed. The committee noted that the team had spent weeks in Abuja before a 12-day training camp in Chile, and expressed confidence they would build on Nigeria’s history of strong performances at the competition.
The committee voiced optimism about the Flamingos’ chances at the expanded 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, the first edition to host 24 teams. It confirmed that the team will continue camping in Abuja before heading to Morocco for final preparations, including friendlies and acclimatisation.
On the Falconets, the board commended the support provided by both NFF and Oyo State Government for their World Cup qualifier preparations and urged the players to reward Nigerians with a strong performance against Rwanda.
The committee acknowledged the Golden Eaglets’ qualification for the semi-finals of the ongoing WAFU-B U17 Championship in Cote d’Ivoire and expressed belief in Coach Manu Garba’s ability to guide the team to glory, both at the tournament and at next year’s U17 AFCON in Morocco.
Those in attendance included President Gusau, Vice Presidents Anyansi-Agwu and Elegbeleye, and members Yusuf Ahmed, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Aisha Falode, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Nse Essien, Margaret Icheen, Timothy Heman Magaji, H.E. Silas Agara, George Aluo, and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
Member Babagana Kalli was absent with apology.