The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) met in Abuja and issued a raft of decisions aimed at strengthening national team preparations, reforming grassroots football, and tackling poor officiating across domestic leagues.
The meeting, held at the Glass House headquarters, focused heavily on upcoming continental engagements and the federation’s broader development agenda.
With the 35th Africa Cup of Nations kicking off in Morocco on 21 December, the committee reviewed the Super Eagles’ readiness and directed the NFF Secretariat to ensure “a hitch-free run-in” to the tournament.
The board urged the players to put behind them the painful World Cup playoff failure and use Morocco, the same territory where their qualification dream collapsed — as the ground to “write a new story about themselves.”
Attention also turned to the Super Falcons, who will seek an 11th continental title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at next year’s Women’s AFCON, also in Morocco.
The committee instructed the Secretariat to secure top-tier international friendlies during the February 2026 FIFA window to ensure robust preparation.
Concerned by the persistent underperformance of Nigeria’s youth teams, the board ordered the NFF Technical and Legal Departments to draft new guidelines for football academies nationwide.
The fresh framework is expected to enforce stricter compliance with FIFA-aligned regulations and strengthen genuine grassroots development.
Following the completion of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ maximum two-term tenure, the committee endorsed the ongoing process to appoint a new independent auditor. Public notices inviting qualified chartered accounting firms have already been issued.
The federation expressed satisfaction with construction work on the NFF–FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches located within the Abuja National Stadium complex. Officials say the contractor is on track to meet the 24-month delivery timeline.
The committee also voiced displeasure over widespread lapses among referees across all domestic leagues — NPFL, NNL, NWFL and NLO. It warned that tougher sanctions are imminent to tackle incompetence, collusion with club officials and deliberate match manipulation.
President Ibrahim Musa Gusau presided over the meeting, which included members Yusuf Ahmed, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Babagana Kalli, Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Aisha Falode, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Margaret Icheen, Timothy Magaji, George Aluo, and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
Vice Presidents Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Gbenga Elegbeleye, alongside members Nse Udofot Essien and Silas Agara, were absent with apologies.