NFF Shock Move: Presidency Picks Its Preferred Candidate to Take Over Nigerian Football

NFF Shock Move: Presidency Picks Its Preferred Candidate to Take Over Nigerian Football

Senior Advocate of Nigeria AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha has reportedly emerged as the preferred candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as interim president and head of a proposed normalisation committee. According to OwnGoal Nigeria, sources indicate that a majority of influential figures in the presidency favour his appointment following the reported dissolution of the NFF board after a wave of resignations led by president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

Mustapha brings considerable experience in football administration and legal affairs. He is a member of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee and previously served as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Committee, positions that could prove valuable in navigating the international football governing structures.

The report added that Mustapha was favoured over an experienced administrator from Nigeria’s South-South region, whose candidacy reportedly received the backing of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike but lacked similar support among key figures in the National Sports Commission. The proposed normalisation committee is expected to oversee Nigerian football for three months, although Mustapha’s reported selection has yet to be confirmed officially.