Ikpeme takes charge of the secretariat

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has endorsed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), tasking him with overseeing the federation's secretariat following the mass resignation of senior officials on Thursday.

Ikpeme, who previously held the position of Deputy General Secretary, steps into the role vacated by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and the outgoing Executive Committee. Dr Ademola Olajire, the federation's former Director of Media and Communications, has been named interim Deputy General Secretary.

NSC suspends electoral process

Alongside the leadership changes, the NSC announced the suspension of all activities tied to the NFF Elective Congress, which had been scheduled for September 27. The commission stated that a fresh electoral process will only be launched after comprehensive reforms have been completed — reforms to be developed in close consultation with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

As part of the transitional arrangements, the chairmen, appointed directors, and chief executive officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the day-to-day running of their leagues to their respective Chief Operating Officers.

In cases where a league's COO is not an NFF staff member, the acting General Secretary is empowered to deploy a replacement COO from within the federation.

Restructuring Nigerian football

The NSC described the interim measures as essential to maintaining continuity in the administration of Nigerian football during this period of transition. The commission confirmed that ongoing consultations with FIFA, CAF, the Federal Government, and other key stakeholders will inform a comprehensive reform roadmap designed to chart the next course for the game in Nigeria.