By Hosea Parah
FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral process as they begin a comprehensive assessment of the leadership crisis engulfing Nigerian football.
The directive was contained in a letter dated September 7, 2026, and signed by FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme.
FIFA and CAF said they were reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of recent developments within the NFF, following notifications concerning the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary.
The two governing bodies stressed that they had not reached any conclusions on the issues under review and had not taken any decision on possible next steps.
“FIFA and CAF request that the ongoing electoral process be suspended and that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection to that process until further notice,” the letter stated.
According to the international bodies, the suspension is intended to preserve the status quo while they complete their assessment and consult relevant stakeholders.
FIFA and CAF also appointed Ikpeme as the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA, and CAF until further notice.
The latest development follows a meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on September 1 involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration, and representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, where the crisis was discussed.
As part of their investigation, FIFA and CAF disclosed plans to undertake a joint assessment mission to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity.
The mission will involve meetings with representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission (NSC).
FIFA and CAF said the mission would enable them to establish the facts surrounding the recent developments, hear the positions of the various stakeholders and determine whether any issues require further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF statutes and regulations.
They added that, after completing the assessment, they would decide whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to the competent decision-making bodies of FIFA and CAF.
The bodies, however, cautioned stakeholders against making assumptions about possible sanctions or other actions, stressing that “the outcome of the assessment remains open.”
The directive effectively puts the NFF electoral timetable on hold and opens a new phase of international scrutiny of the crisis threatening the leadership structure of Nigerian football.
NFF confirms Super Eagles, Russia’s Sbornaya international friendly
By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will play an international friendly against the Sbornaya of Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Russia on October 6, 2026, marking the second meeting between both nations in 16 months.
The NFF announced the fixture on its official X handle on Tuesday. The upcoming encounter serves as a rematch of their previous friendly in Moscow in June 2025, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
In that contest, Russia took an early lead through a 27th-minute own goal from Nigeria defender, Semi Ajayi, before Tolu Arokodare levelled the scores for the Super Eagles in the 71st minute.
Statistical analysis of the previous meeting showed Russia dominating possession with 58 per cent compared to Nigeria’s 42 per cent, while the hosts also outshot the Super Eagles 10 attempts to six.
Russia has been suspended from official FIFA and UEFA competitions since 2022 and has since relied on arranging friendly matches against various national teams, including several African sides, to maintain competitive activity.
The October fixture will provide both squads with an opportunity to test their preparations ahead of their respective future international engagements.