The planned intervention by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football in the administration of the Nigeria Football Federation comes at a crucial time for the Super Eagles, with Nigeria facing two decisive encounters against Tanzania in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Naijafooty.com reports.
FIFA’s Council Bureau has approved the establishment of a normalisation committee to oversee the NFF’s affairs and organise fresh elections following the resignation of the federation’s president, Ibrahim Gusau, and other top officials in August. The committee’s members will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF, although their identities and the full details of their responsibilities are yet to be announced.
The committee is expected to remain in charge until it completes its assignment, with May 31, 2027, set as the latest deadline. Its members will also be barred from contesting positions in the forthcoming NFF elections. Until the panel is formally constituted, the federation’s secretariat, led administratively by acting general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, will continue to handle its daily operations.
The administrative changes come as Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles prepare for their November double-header against Tanzania. Nigeria have three points from two matches in Group L, trailing leaders Guinea-Bissau by three points after beating Madagascar 2-1 before losing 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania already assured of a place at the finals as co-hosts, Nigeria must finish ahead of the other teams competing for the group’s remaining qualifying ticket.
Although the normalisation committee’s primary responsibility is to restore stability and organise fresh elections, its timely appointment could help provide administrative continuity during the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign. Attention will now turn to the announcement of the committee members and the national team’s preparations, with Nigeria needing strong results against Tanzania to keep their AFCON 2027 hopes alive.
