NFF President Ibrahim Gusau Reflects on Achievements and Plans for Nigerian Football
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigerian football, assuring the public of concerted efforts to push the sport forward. Celebrating his second year in office on Monday, Gusau highlighted several significant achievements under his administration since his election in 2022.
One of the major successes, according to Gusau, is the stability within Nigerian football, which has contributed to the improved performance of both the men’s and women’s national teams on the international stage. He noted the Super Eagles’ close call at the 2024 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where they narrowly missed clinching the title.
“We have seen remarkable progress in women’s football, particularly with the Super Falcons reaching the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup without a single defeat in regulation time,” Gusau stated. “This is a reflection of the enhanced preparation and support from our administration. The Super Falcons performed admirably and were among the top 12 teams at the 2024 Olympics, showcasing their strength. Our investment in their preparation was key to this success.”
He added that Nigeria’s junior women’s teams, the Falconets and the Flamingos, continue to dominate at the continental level and rank among the best globally. “We are committed to supporting these teams because they represent the future of Nigerian women’s football and serve as a talent pool for the Super Falcons,” Gusau said.
Gusau also emphasized his administration’s focus on promoting women’s football, particularly through the revitalization of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), which has increased the visibility and success of the sport nationwide.
In addition to women’s football, Gusau highlighted the efforts being made to ensure credible seasons for all Nigerian leagues, including the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the Nigerian National League (NNL), the Nationwide League, and the Nigerian Women’s League. “We are collaborating with various stakeholders to improve different aspects of the game. Our strong relationships with FIFA and CAF have also secured additional technical support for Nigerian football,” he said.
The NFF President reiterated his commitment to transparency, stating that it is essential to boosting corporate sponsorships and addressing long-standing funding challenges faced by the federation. He also introduced performance-based bonuses for players and coaches, a move that has motivated higher performance levels across Nigerian football.
Looking ahead, Gusau outlined his goals for the next two years, stating that the focus will be on ensuring Nigeria qualifies for all major tournaments and brings home laurels. “Our goal is clear: we want to see Nigeria’s flag flying high in every competition we enter,” he concluded.
Before becoming NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau served as the chairman of the Zamfara Football Association, a committee member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and a member of the CAF Youth Organizing Committee. An accountant by profession, he was elected as the 40th president of the NFF at the 78th Elective Congress in Benin City, Edo State, on September 30, 2022, succeeding Amaju Pinnick.
