NFF Poll Tension: Gusau Camp Rallies Chairmen In Northern Summit To Counter Normalisation Push

 

NFF Poll Tension: Gusau Camp Rallies Chairmen In Northern Summit To Counter Normalisation Push

State Football Association chairmen loyal to NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, are converging in the Northern region for a strategic meeting aimed at forging a common position to rescue the Nigeria Football Federation from what they termed external interference. The chairmen, who were initially in Kano, are expected to finalize deliberations in Katsina during the final of the Ahlan/Gusau Pre-Season Cup on Thursday.

According to sources, the meeting is in response to alleged moves by the National Sports Commission, NSC, led by Shehu Dikko, and Olopade to institute a Normalisation Committee that would unseat the current FA leadership and install loyalists ahead of the NFF elections scheduled for September. The chairmen described the development as an attempt to interfere in football administration.

Consultations are ongoing to ensure a strong turnout of influential FA chairmen, particularly from the North-West and North-Central zones, at the Katsina meeting. Organizers say the gathering will serve as both a show of force and a strategy session to confront the looming crisis and protect the autonomy of the NFF. Responses from chairmen invited have reportedly been positive.

The crisis comes amid growing pressure on Nigerian football following recent poor results by national teams. The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final, while the Flying Eagles were beaten 4-0 by Burkina Faso, missing out on the African Youth Championship. The results have drawn backlash from Nigerians and politicians, further heightening tension around the federation.

Meanwhile, the NSC has reportedly directed that the scheduled September NFF elections be put on hold pending further directives. Efforts to get official confirmation from both the NFF and NSC were unsuccessful as of press time. Football stakeholders now await the outcome of the Katsina meeting, which may determine the next direction in the battle for control of Nigerian football.