FIFA and the Confederation of African Football have directed the Nigeria Football Federation to suspend its ongoing electoral process. The instruction follows a joint assessment of the federation’s leadership and governance challenges.

In a letter dated September 7, the two football bodies said they are reviewing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of recent developments within the NFF. These include the resignation of the NFF president, members of the executive committee and the general secretary.

FIFA and CAF announced that they will send a joint mission to Abuja. The team is expected to meet with the NFF, electoral bodies, the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders before any further decisions are taken.

The world and continental football governing bodies stressed that no final conclusions have been reached yet. They said the suspension of the electoral process is a temporary measure pending the outcome of their assessment.

The development comes amid recent leadership changes in the NFF and growing concerns over the federation’s governance and how its elections are being managed. Further updates are expected after the joint mission completes its consultations in Nigeria.

Photo credit: The Sun Nigeria