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“THE WAR FOR NIGERIAN FOOTBALL: FIFA And CAF Caught In Massive Tug-Of-War Over NFF Overhaul!”
FIFA and CAF have wrapped up their two-day fact-finding mission in Abuja following the high-profile mass resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and other board members on August 27. The leadership vacuum unfolded against a backdrop of mounting public frustration over the poor performances of Nigeria’s national teams, notably the failure of both the senior men’s and women’s squads to qualify for their respective World Cups.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The high-level joint delegation featured FIFA Member Association Governance Services team lead Ahmed Harraz, FIFA Head of Member Association Governance Rolf Tanner, FIFA Regional Office for West Africa lead El Hadj Wack Diop, and CAF Legal Manager Nnaemeka Olu. During their visit, the team held extensive consultations with key local stakeholders, including the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), players, coaches, and referees.
Deep Divisions Over the Path Forward
Stakeholders presented sharply contrasting blueprints for restructuring Nigerian football, leaving global governing bodies facing a complex decision:
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Calls for Normalisation and Equal Representation: Player representatives, coaches, and referees strongly advocated for a FIFA-led normalisation process. They pushed for balanced representation and equal voting rights across the NFF Congress, board, and standing committees.
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The Ex-Administrators’ Petition: A powerful coalition of former NFF presidents and general secretaries—including Sani Lulu Abdullahi, Aminu Maigari, Obinna Ogba, Fanny Amun, Sani Toro, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, and Musa Amadu—submitted a petition backing a six-month normalisation committee. Their proposed roadmap outlines a transition starting with stakeholder talks, moving through local council and State FA elections, expanding the NFF Congress, and culminating in national elections. They specifically targeted the current power structure, noting that State FAs currently wield roughly 84% of voting power, and demanded greater inclusion for leagues, players, coaches, referees, and grassroots bodies.
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State FA Resistance: Conversely, State FA chairmen—who form the bulk of the NFF voting bloc—vehemently opposed a normalisation committee. Led by Gombe State FA chairman Yakubu Sarma, they argued that domestic leagues are active, clubs are competing continentally, and the secretariat remains functional, meaning the federation is not technically in crisis and can resolve the vacancy through established frameworks. However, insiders note this stance may clash with standard FIFA statutes.
FIFA and CAF will now carefully evaluate these conflicting proposals to determine the ultimate regulatory roadmap for restoring stability to the Nigeria Football Federation.
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BREAKING: Oyo Budget Commissioner Resigns From Makinde’s Cabinet.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Ojo, has resigned from his position in Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ojo announced his decision in a letter dated Monday, November 2, 2026, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government.
In the letter, the commissioner stated that his resignation would take immediate effect, making reference to his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026.
“With reference to your letter dated 22nd June, 2026 (SP.S.662/2/VOL.IV/192), I respectfully write to formally resign my appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, with effect from today, 2nd November, 2026,” the letter read.
Ojo also expressed gratitude to Makinde for giving him the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in office as a privilege and an honour.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve our dear State under the administration of Your Excellency. Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour that I do not take lightly,” he wrote.
The former commissioner, however, did not disclose the reason behind his decision to leave the cabinet.
His resignation is the latest in a series of departures from the Makinde administration.
Others who have previously resigned include the governor’s Executive Assistant on Security Coordination, Kabiru Salami; former Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Director-General of the Oyo State Due Process Office, Tara Adefope.
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2027: ‘Peter Obi Will Break One-Term Agreement’ – Sambo Raises Alarm.
Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has predicted that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, will seek a second term if he wins the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sambo made the prediction during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday.
The journalist dismissed claims by some political figures that Obi would serve only one term in office before handing over power to another person.
“Nothing will stop Peter Obi from seeking a second term if he wins. He will betray a one-term pact,” Sambo said.
He argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees Obi the right to seek re-election if elected president, adding that no informal agreement could prevent him from exercising that constitutional right.
Sambo further maintained that politicians who secure the presidency generally seek a second term, insisting that Obi would be no exception.
In a related development, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed doubts about the willingness of voters in Northern Nigeria to support a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, against attacking him over his position.
The economist made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, explaining that his assessment was informed by his personal experience as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.
“First, these people (Obidients) are always eager to attack. I said it is very unlikely that the North will support Peter Obi, very unlikely because I know what I have faced,” he said.
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Finidi Blasts Rangers Over Alleged Time-Wasting Tactics After NPFL Draw.
Chijioke Mbaoma gave Rivers United the lead in the 17th minute at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium after taking advantage of a defensive mistake. However, Rangers drew level eight minutes into the second half through Godwin Obaje.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Both sides pressed for a decisive goal but were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a share of the points.
Speaking after the encounter, Rivers United head coach Finidi George accused Rangers players of deliberately disrupting the flow of the game, particularly towards the closing stages.
“They got a draw, and they should not complain,” Finidi said.
“You saw the way the players were falling as if they were not fit, but I wasn’t pleased with their time-wasting tactics.”
The draw left Rivers United and Enugu Rangers level on points at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, with the Port Harcourt-based side maintaining first place on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Kano Pillars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his players after they secured a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Ibrahim Yahaya opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Fabian Nworie added a second in the 65th minute to seal maximum points for the hosts.
The victory extended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run to three matches and moved them to fourth position with 18 points.
Ogunmodede acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing before the club’s demanding supporters but said their high expectations could serve as motivation for the team.
“Most of the time we play with so much pressure here. Obviously we want to win; our fans want us to win every game. We know what it means when we are leading 2-0, and they still want more. But for me that is the kind of hunger I want from the spectators, from the players. The good thing is that we are adapting gradually to it,” he said.
The coach also attributed the victory to his tactical adjustments, explaining that his decision to use inverted wing-backs during the opening 20 minutes unsettled Nasarawa United’s full-backs and opened up spaces in central areas.
After the break, Pillars altered their approach and focused on exploiting the wide areas. The adjustment created several scoring opportunities, although they failed to increase their advantage.
Ogunmodede described the win as significant for the club’s position on the league table, the players’ confidence and the satisfaction of supporters. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s clean sheet.
In another Matchday 11 encounter, Katsina United technical adviser Azeez Audu Mohammed praised his players following their 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Luis Dadong scored twice in the 10th and 28th minutes to put the Chanji Boys 2-0 ahead before Aliyu Baba pulled one back for Sporting Lagos in the 65th minute.
Katsina United, however, held on to secure all three points.
Mohammed said defeating a strong opponent was more important than keeping a clean sheet, highlighting Sporting Lagos’ impressive away record.
“It’s not about a clean sheet. The important thing is that we won against a quality side. In 11 matches, they picked up 10 points away from home, so it’s not a small feat for us to beat them,” he told the NPFL media.
The coach also praised his players for executing their instructions but admitted that the team’s defensive organisation declined in the second half.
“I think my boys did well, aside from conceding. We will continue working hard until we get it right,” he said.
“I think we didn’t defend well in the second half. We are going to talk to the defenders on how to do things right. Overall, they did well and played according to instructions because we faced a very good team. The plan was to stop them from playing, which we did.”
Katsina United will next travel to Ozoro to take on Warri Wolves as they seek to build on their Matchday 11 victory.
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