Achievement, Success Under Leadership of Ex-NFF President Gusau

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale

The resignation of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after three years and eleven months in office brings an end to a tenure marked by several notable developments in Nigerian football.

Gusau announced his resignation on Thursday during a World Press Conference at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, saying the decision followed consultations with his family, friends and stakeholders in Nigerian football.

Before stepping aside, he also communicated his decision to members of the NFF Executive Committee and advised them to consider their own positions.

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While his resignation has opened a new chapter for the country’s football administration, Gusau leaves behind a number of achievements which he highlighted during his farewell address.

Revival of Coaching Education

One of the major achievements highlighted by Gusau was the revival of coaching education in Nigeria.

Under his administration, virtually all categories of coaching courses were conducted, providing opportunities for coaches to improve their qualifications and professional development.

A major milestone is the return of the CAF A Licence course, which Gusau said had not been conducted in Nigeria for eight years.

According to him, all arrangements had been concluded for the course to commence on September 16.

Improved Stability in Domestic Football

Gusau also pointed to improvements in the organisation of Nigeria’s domestic leagues, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

He said his administration helped restore greater certainty to the domestic football calendar, reducing the uncertainty that previously surrounded the start and completion of league seasons.

The improved organisation, according to Gusau, also contributed to a more competitive NPFL, with the title race in the most recent campaign remaining open until the closing stages.

Progress in Nigerian Refereeing

Another area highlighted during his stewardship was refereeing.
Gusau said Nigerian referees had gradually returned to important continental assignments.

Nigerian officials were selected to officiate semi-final matches at both the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The development was presented as evidence of growing confidence in the quality and standard of Nigerian match officials.

Infrastructure Development

The NFF also made progress on infrastructure during Gusau’s tenure.
The NFF facility project, which was initiated in March 2024, has progressed according to schedule, with one phase already completed.

Gusau said the entire project is expected to be completed by March 2027, in line with the two-year contract for its delivery.

Major Adidas Sponsorship Agreement

One of the biggest commercial developments announced by Gusau was the new kit sponsorship agreement between the NFF and Adidas.

The agreement followed unsuccessful negotiations with Nike for improved terms. According to Gusau, Nike subsequently gave the NFF permission to explore alternative sponsors while retaining the right to match any competing offer.

Nike eventually declined to match the offer secured by the Federation.

The new Adidas agreement, according to Gusau, will provide the NFF with $4.5 million annually in cash and another $4 million in kits, alongside a 20 per cent royalty on retail sales.

Gusau described the agreement as the highest kit sponsorship deal in African football.

He also disclosed that Adidas currently operates 13 stores in Nigeria and plans to increase the number to 32 within the next two years.

The improved commercial arrangement, he said, would strengthen the Federation’s ability to hire quality coaches for the Super Eagles and Super Falcons, maintain its facilities and invest more in youth development.

Super Eagles’ AFCON Success

On the performance of Nigeria’s national teams, Gusau identified the Super Eagles’ silver-medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations as one of the major highlights of his tenure.

However, he also acknowledged areas of disappointment, particularly the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, despite Nigeria’s long-standing dominance and strong history in women’s football.

Financial Challenges

Despite the progress recorded, Gusau acknowledged the serious financial challenges faced by the NFF during his tenure.

He attributed much of the pressure to the sharp depreciation of the naira, noting that the exchange rate moved from around ₦400 to the dollar to approximately ₦1,400.

At the same time, the cost of running national teams and participating in international competitions continued to increase.

He cited the previous Nike agreement, under which the NFF received approximately $500,000 in cash and $1 million worth of kits annually, saying the arrangement had become inadequate because of the changing economic realities.

The new Adidas agreement is therefore expected to provide the Federation with a significantly stronger financial foundation.

A New Chapter for the NFF

With Gusau’s resignation, Nigerian football now enters another period of transition.

The immediate focus will be on the succession process and the provisions of the NFF Statutes governing the management of the Federation following the resignation of a sitting President.

Attention will also be placed on the positions of other members of the Executive Committee.

Gusau leaves the office with a mixed legacy of achievements, challenges and unfinished business.

His administration’s reported successes in coaching education, domestic league organisation, refereeing, infrastructure and commercial partnerships will form an important part of the assessment of his tenure.

The responsibility now falls on the next leadership of the NFF to build on these gains, address the remaining challenges and chart a new course for Nigerian football.

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
A broadcast journalist from Kano State.
Can be reached via ahmadhamisuali733@gmail.com