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North Central FA Chairmen Endorse Gusau for Second Term, Offer to Buy NFF Nomination Form
Chairmen of Football Associations across Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone have unanimously endorsed the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, for a second term in office, pledging to jointly purchase his nomination form ahead of the forthcoming NFF presidential election.
The endorsement was announced during the Annual General Meeting of the Benue State Football Association in Makurdi, where football stakeholders reviewed the association’s activities and discussed strategies for advancing football development in Benue State and across Nigeria.
The meeting brought together the NFF President, the Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, and chairmen of Football Associations from across the North Central zone. Speakers at the gathering praised Gusau’s leadership and unanimously backed his bid for re-election, describing his administration as inclusive, transparent and development-driven.
Among those present were NFF Board Member representing the North Central, Rt. Hon. Chief Margaret Icheen; Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Musa; Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Alhaji Usman Salisu Galadima; Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, Rt. Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande; and the NFF President. Chairman of the Kogi consultative leadership style and accessibility to stakeholders. They highlighted his administration’s commitment to grassroots football development through coaching education, administrative training and youth development initiatives, describing in Abuja. The project, which includes a modern players’ hostel and new training pitches, was described as a significant investment that will strengthen technical development State Football Association, Alhaji Hassan Wada, participated virtually.
In their remarks, the state FA chairmen commended Gusau’s consultative leadership style and accessibility to stakeholders. They highlighted his administration’s commitment to grassroots football development through coaching education, administrative training and youth development initiatives, describing these efforts as vital to producing the next generation of Nigerian football talent.
The chairmen also applauded the ongoing FIFA Forward infrastructure project at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The project, which includes a modern players’ hostel and new training pitches, was described as a significant investment that will strengthen technical development and coach education in Nigerian football.
They further credited the Gusau-led administration with improving the federation’s relationship with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), promoting greater transparency in football administration and expanding support for youth and women’s football. They cited the achievements of the Super Falcons, Falconets and Flamingos as evidence of the Rt. Hon. Chief Margaret Icheen said the position taken in Makurdi reflected the collective decision of the North Central zone at both board and state association levels. She noted that her experience on the NFF Board had given her firsthand insight into the discipline, stability and reforms introduced under Gusau’s leadership, adding that the federation’s renewed focus on developing women’s football.
Convinced that the progress made under the current leadership should continue, the chairmen passed a vote of confidence on Gusau and formally endorsed him for a second term. They also announced their collective decision to purchase his nomination form, a gesture that was warmly received by delegates at the meeting.
Supporting the endorsement, Rt. Hon. Chief Margaret Icheen said the position taken in Makurdi reflected the collective decision of the North Central zone at both board and state association levels. She noted that her experience on the NFF Board had given her firsthand insight into the discipline, stability and reforms introduced under Gusau’s leadership, adding that the ongoing reforms deserved continuity.
Responding on behalf of the NFF President, Chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Saidu, accepted the endorsement and the offer to purchase the nomination form. Speaking for the North West zone, where Gusau hails from, Saidu described the endorsement as further validation of the vote of confidence passed on the NFF President during the federation’s last Annual General Meeting in Bayelsa State. He said it demonstrated the growing national support for the progress recorded by the current administration.
Earlier, members of the Benue State Football Association Congress had also endorsed Gusau for a second term, citing his commitment to football development in Association chair there is still much work ahead. If entrusted with another mandate, we will consolidate on these achievements and continue to build a football system that every Nigerian will be proud of. Your the state and nationwide.
The Congress recalled that Benue was the first state Gusau visited on official assignment after assuming office in 2022 and noted that he had since returned on four consecutive official engagements. According to the Congress, his continued visits underscored the importance he attaches to football development in the state.
In his response, Gusau expressed gratitude to the Benue State FA Congress and the North Central Football Association chairmen for their confidence and support. He described the endorsement as a humbling recognition of the collective efforts of the NFF Congress, state football associations, clubs, players, coaches, referees and government partners.
He pledged that, if re-elected, his administration would expand grassroots football programmes, complete ongoing infrastructure projects, strengthen domestic competitions, increase investment in youth and women’s football, and further enhance transparency in football governance.
“We have laid a solid foundation, but there is still much work ahead. If entrusted with another mandate, we will consolidate on these achievements and continue to build a football system that every Nigerian will be proud of. Your confidence will not be misplaced,” Gusau said.
Joining the meeting virtually, Kogi State Football Association Chairman Alhaji Hassan Wada aligned himself with the resolutions reached by his North Central colleagues, affirming the zone’s united support for the NFF President.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to unity, collaboration and the continued growth of football in Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.
