NFF AGM: Congress backs Gusau’s leadership, approves 2026 budget, eye World Cup ticket

By Dayo Awoniyi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress has reaffirmed confidence in the leadership of President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, while endorsing key resolutions at its 81st Annual General Assembly held on Saturday at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Ibadan.

Delegates approved the Federation’s audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024, as presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and sanctioned the advertisement of the external auditors’ position following PwC’s completed tenure. The 2026 budget proposal was also ratified.

The Congress commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their support of Nigerian football, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, and the National Sports Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was also praised for hosting the Assembly and the Falconets’ World Cup qualifier in Ibadan.

On the field, delegates celebrated the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON crown, the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 AFCON, and strong performances by other national teams.

They endorsed the Executive Committee’s resolve to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification and emphasized sustained technical and administrative backing.

Grassroots development was prioritized, with renewed directives for investment in talent discovery, refereeing, coaching education, and infrastructure upgrades.

Progress on FIFA-mandated amendments to the NFF Statutes was noted, with an Extraordinary General Assembly to be convened for completion.

The Congress also acknowledged improvements across the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO, urging stakeholders and State Governments to invest more in world-class infrastructure.

Proceedings concluded with a unanimous vote of confidence in Gusau and the NFF Executive Committee for what delegates described as “exemplary stewardship in advancing Nigerian football.”

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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