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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Nigeria Football Federation’s accounts have been frozen as a precautionary measure following the shock resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, with the freeze set to remain in place until new signatories are appointed to authorize access.
The move came in the immediate aftermath of Gusau’s announcement on Thursday at the NFF’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he stepped down citing mounting pressure over the federation’s failure to qualify either the Super Eagles or Super Falcons for the FIFA World Cup.
Sources at the secretariat said the account restriction was an expected administrative response to the sudden leadership vacuum, designed to safeguard federation funds until governance arrangements are clarified.
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At the press conference, Gusau defended his three-year tenure, pointing to achievements including improved housing and honors for national team players and Nigeria’s seat on the West African Football (WAFU B) board. But he acknowledged that failure to secure World Cup qualification had triggered “severe pressure,” prompting him to consult his board before deciding to step aside. He also disclosed that other board members had been given the option to resign alongside him, though he declined to confirm who else had done so.
Gusau used the platform to air grievances about the federation’s finances, describing difficulties accessing funds and criticizing some sponsorship arrangements — including the federation’s 10-year kit deal with Nike — as exploitative.
The announcement split opinion among secretariat staff in Abuja, with some reportedly relieved and others visibly distressed. Staff members told reporters they were divided over whether Gusau had given up too easily on pushing back against FIFA leadership, with some suggesting he faced insurmountable obstacles given FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s own current troubles.
Attention now turns to how quickly the NFF can resolve its signatory arrangements, with the frozen accounts leaving the federation in financial limbo as it navigates the transition to new leadership.
