Governing Bodies
A new Sheriff takes over at Nigeria Football Federation today
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
A change of guard is expected today in Benin City as Amaju Pinnick steps down as the chieftain of the Nigeria Football Federation for a new president.
Coincidentally, It is exactly eight years since he was first elected on 30 September 2014 in Warri Delta State. He thus become the man with the longest tenure in office, either cumulatively or in one stretch since the football body was formed 21 August 1933.
His long tenure contrast sharply with that of Alfred Osula who was chairman of the then NFA for just 21 days.
Osula was in charge from 30 December 1963 to 20 January 1964. Next to him was Col. C.K. Lawson who ruled at NFA for 39 days in 1971 before he was removed.
Pinnick has exceeded the former longest tenure of Sunday Dankaro who was in charge from 1974 to 1980. The NFF secretariat is named after him in Abuja.
Jostling to take over are two of his immediate lieutenants, Seyi Akinwunmi, an attorney, and Shehu Dikko, the second vice president who also ruled the now disbanded League management Company.
In what was initially an NFF XI, a candidate, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, pulled out of the race earlier in the week. Now, there are 10 contestants.
So joining the vice presidents who are eyeing elevation are current Executive Committee members Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande.
From the secretariat are two former staff members of the NFF, Musa Amadu, the immediate past General Secretary and Head of Safety and Security of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Christian Emeruwa.
Also in the hunt for the exalted post are Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Adam Mouktar Mohammed; former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Peterside Idah; former Chairman of Kano Pillars FC and respected technocrat, Abba Abdullahi Yola and; UK-based David-Buhari Doherty.
According to a media release by the NFF, Paul Yusuf from Plateau State is disqualified as a result of invalid nomination; the same axe that swept Marcellinus Anyanwu from Imo State out of the race.
Among the contestants into the NFF Board, only
Yusuf Ahmed known as ‘Fresh’ is assured of his seat, even ahead of the election as he will replace Ibrahim Musa Gusau as Chairman of Chairmen.
He awaits who will be his president and also the first vice president.
For the latter position, Enyimba strongman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu who till now is a board member is seeking to climb up the ladder as 1st Vice President to replace an equally top-position seeking Seyi Akinwunmi.
Joining the Enyimba Pillar in what is a triangular battle are Obinna Ogba, a serving senator as well as member of the out-going board and Chinedu Okoye.
Emeka Inyama, a pastor, just like the Biblical Paul, is seeking a second missionary journey into the NFF board. He was on the board led by Aminu Maigari and his tenure spilled over into the early years of Pinnick’s first tenure.
Jostling to be board members are also four former international footballers – Chikelue Iloenyosi (Anambra), Karibe Ojigwe (Abia), Daniel Amokachi (Benue State) and Benedict Akwuegbu (Plateau State).
Joining them in the potentially explosive contest are Jude Benjamin Obikwelu (Anambra State) Emmanuel Ochiagha (Imo State).
For North Central are Mohammed Alkali (Nasarawa State); Margaret Icheen (Benue State); Idris Abdullahi Musa (Kwara State)
Current Member of Board, Ms Aisha Falode tops the list of candidates from the South South region, with Kenneth Nwaomucha (Delta State); Gregory Abang (Cross River State); Roland Abu Omomoh (Edo State); Poubeni Ogun (Bayelsa State); Jarret Tenebe (Edo State) and; Essien Udofot (Akwa Ibom State) also vying for seats from that zone.
Current Member of Board, Ganiyu Majekodunmi leads the list of contestants for seats from the South West, with Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Ondo State); Ayodeji Ogunjobi (Osun State); Olawale Gafar Liameed (Lagos State); Afolabi Taiwo Olugbenga (Osun State); Ayodeji Adegbenro (Ondo State) and Pelumi Jacob Olajengbesi (Osun State) also in the race.
North East candidates are current Member of Board, Babagana Kalli (Borno State); Sajo Mohammed (Adamawa State) and Timothy Henman Magaji (Taraba State)
Current Member of Board, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State) is the only candidate from the North West.
The elections will commence after other items on the agenda for the 78th Annual General Assembly have been dealt with. Winners would be sworn in immediately after the elections.
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
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