By Our Reporter,The Nation
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Congress passes vote of confidence on Gusau-led board
Arising from its 81st Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the weekend, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has for the umpteenth time applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching support for Nigerian football as well as all the country’s national football teams.
Recall that Tinubu as recent as August hosted the Super Falcons to an unprecedented reception following their record-setting 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations(WAFCON) title where among other things awarded players and officials with National Honours, house gifts and huge cash gifts. The largesse to Super Falcons was a follow up to the Tinubu-led administration’s bounties to the Super Eagles when they won silver at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire in early 2024.
Applauding the gestures, the NFF noted the Federal Government’s steadfast backing of Nigerian football and all National Teams in its communiqué after the Ibadan gathering while singling out President Tinubu for special praise.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the NFF) was also given a pat on the back by the Congressmen as the Gusau- led board got a vote of confidence.
“The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Federal Government’s steadfast backing of Nigerian football and all National Teams,” the communiqué highlighted. “ The Congress also commended the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, for their resolute support of the Federation’s programmes and initiatives.”
Apart from passing “a unanimous vote of confidence on the leadership of the NFF Executive Committee, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau”, another major highlights of the communiqué, is the commendation Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for hosting the federation’s 81st AGA as well as the U20 Women National Team, Falconets, who were in Ibadan for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against their Rwandan counterparts.
Below is the full Communiqué of the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF):
1) The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Federal Government’s steadfast backing of Nigerian football and all National Teams. The Congress also commended the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, for their resolute support of the Federation’s programmes and initiatives.
2) The Congress conveyed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, for graciously hosting the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and for the outstanding arrangements made to welcome the U20 Women National Team, Falconets, to Ibadan for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against their Rwandan counterparts.
3) The Congress applauded the Government and people of Oyo State for their remarkable commitment to sports advancement and their generous hospitality to delegates and guests, affirming Ibadan’s readiness to host major international football events.
4) The Congress further extended appreciation to the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino and the CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, for their consistent and invaluable support towards the growth and advancement of Nigeria Football within the global and continental landscape.
5) The Congress celebrated the exploits of the various National Teams, notably the Super Falcons for their 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title and the Super Eagles for securing qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. It further commended the Flying Eagles, Falconets, and Flamingos for their sterling performances on the global stage.
6) The Congress endorsed the NFF Executive Committee’s resolve to ensure the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and urged sustained technical and administrative support to all National Teams.
7) The audited financial statements of the Nigeria Football Federation for the year ended 31st December 2024, as presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers, were examined and duly approved by the Congress.
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8) The Congress further approved the advertisement of the position of external auditors, noting that the mandatory tenure of PricewaterhouseCoopers has been completed.
9) The Congress approved the Federation’s budget proposal for the 2026 financial year as presented.
10) The Congress underscored the strategic importance of grassroots football development and directed the Executive Committee to intensify efforts in talent discovery, refereeing capacity building, coaching education, and infrastructural enhancement in alignment with FIFA and CAF directives.
11) The Congress acknowledged the progress made in implementing the FIFA-mandated amendments to the NFF Statutes (2010 as amended) and assured that an Extraordinary General Assembly will be convened at the appropriate time to conclude the process.
12) The Congress commended the steady improvements across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and Nationwide League One (NLO). It urged league bodies, referees, and State Football Associations to maintain the drive for higher standards and stronger domestic competitions.
13) The Congress called on all State Governments to invest more in standard football infrastructure to meet FIFA and CAF requirements for international matches.
14) The Congress extended heartfelt condolences to families and football stakeholders who lost loved ones during the year and offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
15) A unanimous vote of confidence was passed on the leadership of the NFF Executive Committee, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, for their exemplary stewardship in advancing football across Nigeria.