The overhaul of Nigerian football administration has deepened following a directive from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ordering the appointed chairmen, directors, and chief executive officers of the country's four professional leagues to step aside immediately.

The order covers the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria National League (NNL), the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and the Nationwide League One (NLO).

COOs to assume interim control

The NFF has instructed each league's Chief Operating Officer (COO) to assume control of day-to-day operations. The COOs taking charge are members of NFF staff, ensuring the federation retains direct oversight during the transition period.

Where a COO is not already an NFF staff member, the federation's Acting General Secretary will deploy a replacement from within the federation's ranks.

Transition follows Gusau's resignation

The shake-up comes in the wake of the mass resignation of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his board members, an event that triggered a broader restructuring of Nigerian football's governing bodies.

The NFF stated that the interim measures are designed to maintain stability across the game's administration while consultations continue with FIFA, CAF, the government, and other stakeholders to map out a comprehensive reform agenda and determine the next steps for the sport's development.