NFF Election 2026 will take place on September 26 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The vote will determine who leads the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the next four years. Attention is already shifting to the candidates, the voting process and the key dates ahead of the congress — GoalNigeria.com reports.
The current administration, led by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, took office in October 2022. Delegates will elect a new board when the federation holds its Elective Congress in September.
Election Date and Who Can Contest
The NFF will hold its Elective Congress on September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Candidates must meet the requirements in the NFF Statutes and Electoral Guidelines. They must also satisfy the federation’s eligibility rules before the electoral committee publishes the final list of approved candidates.
Prince Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reforms Initiative, has declared his intention to contest for the NFF presidency.
Jalla says he will only take part in an election that is transparent and democratic. More candidates will likely announce their ambitions in the weeks before the congress.
Ibrahim Gusau’s Future
Gusau has led the NFF since delegates elected him president in October 2022. His executive committee includes First Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Second Vice President and Nigeria Premier Football League Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen.
Gusau has not publicly confirmed whether he will seek another term.
Public debate over football leadership has grown since Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel recently renewed his criticism of the NFF leadership. He said he had rejected invitations to join the federation because he wants administrators with football knowledge and a clear plan for developing the game.
Jalla has also called for changes in the federation. He wants greater openness and stronger accountability in football administration.
How the Voting Process Works
Accredited delegates from recognised football bodies across Nigeria will vote during the Elective Congress.
They will elect the NFF president, first vice-president, second vice-president and members of the executive committee. The election will follow the NFF Statutes and Electoral Guidelines.
The electoral committee will screen candidates before the election. It will also publish the final list of approved candidates and conduct the voting process.
Why NFF Election 2026 Matters
The NFF executive committee manages football administration in Nigeria. Its responsibilities include the national teams, domestic competitions, technical development and relations with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The successful candidates will take over when the current administration completes its tenure.
Campaign activities are likely to increase as more candidates enter the race before the September 26 Elective Congress in Lafia.
