The congress of the Nigeria Football Federation has approved amendments to the NFF statutes, electoral codes, and standing orders of the general assembly ahead of their elective congress, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

This was announced in a communique at the end of the federation’s extraordinary general assembly, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday.

“The Congress approved a proposal by the Executive Committee for the staging of the 2026 Elective Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Saturday, September 26, 2026,” the communique read.

“Voting on proposals by the Executive Committee, the Congress unanimously approved amendments to the NFF Statutes (March 2026 Edition), the NFF Electoral Code, and the Standing Orders of the General Assembly, as presented.”

Chairman of the National Sports Commission and former NFF Vice President Shehu Dikko, who attended the extraordinary general assembly, described the amendments as long overdue.

“We must speak honestly. The 2010 NFF Statutes have become obsolete. It is no longer fit for purpose. It does not reflect modern governance standards,” Dikko said.

Ahead of the elective congress, the congress also nominated members of the electoral and appeals committees.

“The Congress, based on proposals by leaders of the six geopolitical zones, approved the appointment of 12 persons (two from each geopolitical zone) to serve on the NFF Electoral Committee and the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee,” part of the communique stated.

“The 12 persons so nominated are: Barr. Matthew Burkala, SAN and Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi (North Central); Alhaji Babagoni Grema and Barr. Benjamin Sak (North East); Bature Musa and Prof. Abdulmalik Awwal (North West); Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke and Arinze Azubuike Anughere, Esq. (South East); Hon. (Dr) Akogun Olugbenga Omole and Abayomi Akin Omoyimi, Esq. (South West) and; Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, Esq. and Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam (South South).

The appointed members will be inaugurated into the two committees in Abuja on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, after which they will select their chairmen.

“In line with the NFF Electoral Code, five persons will serve as full members on the electoral committee, with two other persons as alternates, while three persons will serve on the electoral appeals committee, with two other persons as alternates,” the communique added.

All eyes will be on NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, as another four-year term lies ahead, with other candidates also expected to emerge.

Meanwhile, the NFF is still facing litigation over the election that brought in Gusau in 2022. A Federal High Court in Abuja initially stopped the NFF election held on September 30 in Benin City, Edo State. However, the NFF appealed the order and obtained a temporary stay, which was later struck out by the Court of Appeal on January 19, 2024—almost two years into Gusau’s tenure.