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NFF Releases 2026 Election Guidelines, Sets Stage for New Football Leadership
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially unveiled the guidelines and electoral rules for its 2026 elections, marking a major step toward the emergence of a new Executive Committee that will oversee Nigerian football from 2026 to 2030.
The release of the electoral framework follows months of anticipation after the NFF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on March 23, 2026, where delegates unanimously approved amendments to the federation’s Statutes, Electoral Code and Standing Orders.
According to the federation, the reforms are designed to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigerian football while aligning the electoral process with international best practices and the governance standards expected by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Under the revised Electoral Code, a 12-member electoral structure has been established, with two representatives nominated from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and ratified by Congress. The members have been constituted into two independent bodies—the Electoral Committee and the Electoral Appeals Committee.
The Electoral Committee will be responsible for organising, conducting and supervising the elections, while the Electoral Appeals Committee will handle complaints, petitions and appeals arising from the electoral process.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Matthew Burkala, has been confirmed as Chairman of the Electoral Committee.
The zonal representatives are:
North Central: Emmanuel Dada Obafemi
North East: Alhaji Babagoni Grema and Barrister Benjamin Sak
North West: Bature Musa and Professor Abdulmalik Awwal
South East: Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke and Arinze Azubuike Anughere, Esq.
South West: Hon. (Dr.) Akogun Olugbenga Omole and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi, Esq.
South South: Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, Esq., and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam
Both the Electoral Committee and the Electoral Appeals Committee have since been formally inaugurated ahead of the commencement of the election timetable.
The statutory amendments adopted in Yenagoa received the backing of National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, who described the reforms as timely and necessary. He noted that the previous electoral framework, introduced in 2010, had become outdated and no longer reflected modern governance standards required for sports administration.
The publication of the guidelines is expected to provide greater clarity for prospective candidates, member associations and other stakeholders as preparations gather pace for the federation’s elective congress.
The elections will determine the leadership responsible for steering Nigerian football over the next four years, including oversight of the men’s and women’s national teams, domestic competitions, grassroots football development, technical programmes, referee development and the federation’s relationship with international football bodies.
The release of the electoral framework also addresses concerns previously raised by stakeholders over the delayed public availability of the amended Statutes and Electoral Code following their approval in March. Although Congress had ratified the reforms, the documents were not immediately released, prompting calls for greater transparency regarding the rules governing the election.
The guidelines now made public include the official election timetable, nomination procedures, eligibility requirements and key deadlines that will shape the race for positions on the NFF Executive Committee.
Widely regarded as one of the federation’s most significant elections in recent years, the 2026 exercise will usher in a leadership team expected to consolidate governance reforms, strengthen domestic football structures, attract commercial partnerships and sustain Nigeria’s competitiveness in continental and global football.
