FIFA Approves NFF Normalisation Committee, Silent On Members’ Identities 

FIFA has approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until May 31, 2027, at the latest, but has yet to disclose the identities of its members.

The decision marks a significant step towards resolving the leadership crisis that has left Nigerian football facing an administrative transition following the mass resignation of former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive leadership in August.

The approval followed the FIFA Council meeting held in Zurich, Switzerland, on October 15, 2026, after which the Bureau of the FIFA Council approved the committee’s appointment.

However, the world football governing body has yet to publicly announce the individuals selected to serve on the interim body or provide detailed information on its terms of reference.

The development comes after consultations involving FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other stakeholders over the future of football administration in Nigeria.

A joint FIFA-CAF delegation visited Nigeria in September to engage key stakeholders and explore possible solutions to the crisis, including the establishment of a Normalisation Committee.

The committee is expected to provide temporary leadership for the federation while addressing the issues surrounding its administration and facilitating a transition towards elected leadership.

Its specific responsibilities, however, will depend on the terms of reference approved by FIFA and communicated officially.

National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko had previously stated that FIFA would determine the composition and mandate of any Normalisation Committee, emphasising the need for the process to comply with relevant football statutes and procedures.

With the appointment now approved, attention has shifted to the announcement of the committee’s members and the scope of its responsibilities.

Stakeholders will also be watching closely for details of the proposed governance reforms and the roadmap for restoring an elected NFF leadership.

Until FIFA releases the names of the appointees and the committee’s detailed mandate, its composition and operational arrangements remain unconfirmed.