The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has inaugurated its Electoral and Appeals Committees to oversee the upcoming elections into its Executive Committee for the 2026–2030 cycle. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, with President Ibrahim Gusau presiding.
Gusau emphasized the importance of fairness, transparency, and integrity in the electoral process. He urged committee members to act with neutrality and courage, stressing that credibility is essential to strengthening football governance in Nigeria. “This process must inspire confidence locally and internationally as a model of transparent football administration,” he said. He assured the committees of full support from the federation to deliver elections acceptable to all stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the committees, Matthew Burka’a pledged professionalism and accountability. He promised that the elections would be free, fair, and credible, reflecting global best practices. Burka’a noted that the exercise would attract attention from FIFA, CAF, and other stakeholders, and expressed confidence that it would serve as a benchmark for future sporting and political elections. “We understand the weight of expectation. This election will stand as a reference point for integrity, not just in football but in governance,” he added.
The Electoral Committee includes Burka’a, Babagoni Grema, Bature Musa, Ayibaye Temedie, and Olugbenga Omole, with Arinze Anughele and Abayomi Omoyimi as alternates. The Appeals Committee is composed of Justice C.J. Aneke, Benjamin Sati, and Abdulmalik Awwal, with Emmanuel Obafemi and Ayi Ukpayam serving as alternates. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi will act as secretary to both committees, in line with statutory provisions.
The elections are scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Senior football officials and dignitaries, including Philip Shaibu, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Silas Agara, and George Aluo, attended the inauguration ceremony.
The establishment of these committees marks a critical step in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process. With global attention on Nigerian football, the NFF aims to demonstrate integrity in administration and set a standard for governance both within and beyond the sport.
