Nigeria Strengthens Presence in FIFA as Four Top Officials Secure Key Roles

Nigeria has taken another major step into the global football leadership circle, with four of its leading administrators appointed to important FIFA standing committees.

Heading the list is Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who joins the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee — the body responsible for shaping the structure and governance of major global club tournaments, including the new FIFA Club World Cup.

Gusau, who became NFF President in October 2022 after succeeding Amaju Pinnick, brings years of grassroots and continental football experience, having previously served as Zamfara State FA Chairman and a CAF committee member. His appointment further highlights his growing influence in international football decision-making.

Joining Gusau in the new FIFA roles are three other distinguished Nigerians:

• Aisha Falode, appointed to the FIFA Media and Communications Committee,
• Amaju Pinnick, named Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, and
• Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), appointed to the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.

Reacting to the appointments, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick described the development as a proud moment for Nigerian football, calling it “a new era of professionalism, integrity, and innovation.”

“I wholeheartedly congratulate President Gusau, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), and Aisha Falode on their well-deserved appointments,” Pinnick said. “Together, we reflect Nigeria’s intellectual capital and strategic importance within global football.”

Pinnick also reserved special praise for Falode, describing her as “a trailblazer whose journey from journalism to international football leadership continues to inspire women across Africa.”

A former Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and veteran broadcaster, Falode made history as the first female member of CAF’s Media and Communications Committee. Her new FIFA role represents another breakthrough for Nigerian women in sports administration.

These appointments underline Nigeria’s growing recognition in world football governance and reaffirm the country’s contribution to shaping the global game.