FIFA has approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until May 31, 2027, at the latest, in a major development in efforts to resolve the leadership crisis in Nigerian football.

The decision follows the FIFA Council meeting held in Zurich, Switzerland, on October 15, 2026, with the Bureau of the FIFA Council subsequently approving the committee’s appointment.

However, the identities of the individuals selected to serve on the committee have yet to be officially announced, leaving Nigerian football stakeholders awaiting further details from the world football governing body.

The approval marks a significant step towards establishing an interim administrative structure for the NFF following the resignation of former president Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive leadership in August.

The mass resignations created a leadership vacuum and triggered consultations involving FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and stakeholders across the Nigerian football community.

A joint FIFA-CAF delegation visited Nigeria in September to engage key stakeholders and examine possible solutions to the crisis, including the establishment of a Normalisation Committee.

The committee is expected to provide temporary leadership for the federation during the transition, with its specific responsibilities to be determined by FIFA’s approved terms of reference.

Its tenure is scheduled to run until May 31, 2027, at the latest, although the actual duration and implementation timetable will depend on the details FIFA communicates officially.

The announcement of the appointed members is now the next major development expected, as stakeholders seek clarity on who will lead the committee and how its mandate will be carried out.

Attention is also expected to focus on the committee’s responsibilities regarding the administration of Nigerian football, governance reforms and the process towards restoring elected leadership at the NFF.

The approval comes amid calls for reforms to the federation’s governance structures and electoral processes. During earlier consultations, stakeholders discussed ways to address longstanding administrative concerns and improve confidence in the running of Nigerian football.

National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko had previously said FIFA would determine the composition and terms of reference of any Normalisation Committee, stressing that the process must comply with the relevant football statutes and procedures.

With FIFA’s approval now reported, the forthcoming official announcement of the committee’s membership is expected to provide greater clarity on the transition and the immediate future of football administration in Nigeria.

Until FIFA releases the names and detailed terms of reference, the identities of the committee members and the specific arrangements for its operations remain unconfirmed.