President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has explained that his decision to resign was driven by his love for Nigeria and his desire to continue contributing to the development of football in the country.

Gusau disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, where he addressed his decision to step down from the leadership of the country’s football governing body.

The NFF president said he arrived at the decision after consultations with his family, friends and key stakeholders in Nigerian football.

Gusau resigns amid calls for probe

Gusau was elected NFF President on September 30, 2022, during the federation’s 78th Elective Congress held in Benin City, Edo State.

He resigned from office alongside other members of the NFF board with immediate effect, amid growing calls for an investigation into the administration and handling of football affairs in the country.

The calls for a probe intensified following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, raising concerns among football stakeholders and supporters over the state of women’s football and the wider administration of the sport.

Gusau, however, said his resignation was not an indication that he was abandoning his commitment to Nigerian football.

‘Nobody is better than this country’

Explaining his decision, Gusau said Nigerians must be willing to put the interest of the country ahead of individual considerations and examine what needs to be done to move football forward.

He said, “As Nigerians, nobody is better than this country; we all love our country and its progress, and as people that have been in football and managing football, we need to look at ourselves and say what next?

“So we made consultations between family, friends, and stakeholders, and I decided to resign my position. I advised my Board members that anybody who will follow me should resign.”

Gusau said the decision was ultimately influenced by his belief that stepping aside could allow other stakeholders to take responsibility and contribute fresh ideas towards addressing the challenges facing Nigerian football.

He also expressed his intention to remain involved in football and use his experience and relationships within African football to support the development of the game.

‘I will continue contributing to Nigerian football’

According to Gusau, leaving the NFF presidency does not mean withdrawing from football or ending his contribution to the sport.

He said his experience within African football would remain available to support the progress of the Nigerian game.

“For me, I want to make it clear, and by the grace of God, we hope to continue making our contribution because of our experience and relationships we have within African football; we will continue to give our contribution for the progress of Nigerian football,” he said.

Gusau’s resignation comes at a critical period for Nigerian football, with stakeholders demanding greater accountability and reforms across the administration of the sport.

His departure, alongside other board members, is expected to trigger further discussions over the future leadership of the NFF and the steps required to restore confidence in the federation.

The development also comes against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny of Nigeria’s football administration following the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.