NFF Sets September 26 Election Date, Approves Reforms to Drive 2026 Electoral Process

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken decisive steps toward its 2026 leadership transition, approving key statutory reforms and fixing September 26, 2026, for its Elective Congress at an Extraordinary General Assembly held in Yenagoa.
The congress, widely regarded as a defining moment for Nigerian football governance, ratified amendments to the NFF Statutes (March 2026 Edition), Electoral Code, and Standing Orders—moves aimed at strengthening transparency and credibility ahead of the polls.
Central to the resolutions was the constitution of the NFF Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee, bodies that will oversee the conduct and adjudication of the elections. Twelve members drawn from the six geopolitical zones were approved, with inauguration scheduled for March 25 in Abuja, where leadership structures of both committees will be finalized.
In another major decision, Congress appointed Ernst & Young as the federation’s independent auditor for an initial four-year term, succeeding PricewaterhouseCoopers, which was commended for its nine years of service.
The assembly also unanimously endorsed September 26, 2026, as the date for the Elective Congress, to be held in Lafia. The election will determine a new NFF Executive Committee, including the president, ushering in the next phase of football administration in the country.
The decision continues a growing pattern of September elections within the federation, a trend that dates back to 2014 and has since become a fixture in the NFF’s administrative calendar.
By announcing both the date and venue well in advance, stakeholders believe the federation has created sufficient room for critical pre-election activities, including nomination processes, screening of candidates, and compliance with electoral guidelines.
Observers note that the reforms and early preparations signal the NFF’s intent to deliver a more orderly and credible electoral process, with expectations high for a keenly contested race.
The Congress further passed a vote of confidence in the NFF Executive Committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau, applauding its efforts in advancing football development across Nigeria.
With the roadmap now clearly defined, attention is expected to shift to the Electoral Committee, which will, in the coming months, release detailed guidelines and timelines that will shape the battle for the federation’s top offices.