NFF Inaugurates Electoral Committees Ahead of 2026 Elections

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday inaugurated its Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee to oversee the conduct of elections into its Executive Committee for the 2026–2030 term.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau performed the inauguration at the federation’s secretariat in Abuja, charging members to carry out their duties with integrity and without bias.

Speaking on behalf of the committees, Matthew Burka’a (SAN) assured stakeholders of a credible process, pledging that the elections would set a new benchmark.

“We will approach this task with the seriousness it deserves. On behalf of all the members, I assure the NFF, football-loving Nigerians and the world at large that we are going to conduct a free, fair, credible and acceptable election,” he said.

He added that the committees are mindful of the global attention from FIFA, CAF, and the broader football community.

The Electoral Committee comprises Burka’a alongside Alhaji Babagoni Grema, Alhaji Bature Musa, Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, Esq, and Hon. (Dr) Akogun Olugbenga Omole, with Arinze Azubuike Anughele, Esq and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi, Esq serving as alternate members.

The Electoral Appeals Committee includes Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke, Barr. Benjamin Sati, and Professor Abdulmalik Awwal, with Emmanuel Dada Obafemi and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam as alternates.

In line with NFF statutes, the federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, will serve as secretary to both committees.

The elections into the NFF Executive Committee are scheduled to take place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Saturday, September 26.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, NFF 1st Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, and Executive Committee members Silas Agara and George Aluo, among other officials and staff.

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.

See Full Bio