Underfire NFF president Gusau inaugurates fact-finding committee on Nigerian football setbacks

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has inaugurated a six-member Fact-finding Committee on Nigeria Football Setbacks, charging its members to investigate the factors behind the recent struggles of the country’s national teams, Made In Africa Sports reports.

The committee was inaugurated on Monday following the NFF’s decision to investigate Nigeria’s recent poor performances in international competitions, with particular focus on the Super Falcons‘ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Gusau urged the committee to approach the assignment with sincerity, diligence and a strong sense of responsibility as it seeks to identify both the immediate and underlying causes of the national teams’ struggles.

“You are to probe into the direct and remote causes of the poor outings of the National Teams in recent times, but with specific reference to the unexpected failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the World Cup,” Gusau said in a statement released by the NFF.

The NFF president gave the committee two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report.

He also expressed confidence in the members, pointing to their extensive experience and involvement in different areas of Nigerian football.

“We have composed this committee believing that you will come up with solutions to the present malaise, having played crucial roles in the Nigeria game in one way or the other for a very long time,” Gusau added.

Committee promises thorough investigation

The committee will be chaired by Ambassador Fanny Ikhayere Amun, MON, who pledged that members would approach the assignment with a high level of responsibility and transparency.

Amun said the committee would engage relevant stakeholders and receive memoranda from members of the public as part of its efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the setbacks.

“We see this as a call to a very important national duty. It is not something that can be approached half-hearted; we have to immerse ourselves fully into the processes and come out with a report that all who have a stake in the Nigeria game will be proud of,” Amun said.

She also stressed the importance of truth and diligence throughout the process.

“We must endeavour to speak the truth at all times and be very diligent,” she added.

Oparanozie, Adepoju among committee members

The committee brings together former internationals, coaches and administrators with experience across different areas of Nigerian football.

Former Super Falcons captain, four-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner and FIFA World Cup star Desire Oparanozie is among the members.

Former Super Eagles captain and AFCON gold, silver and bronze medallist Mutiu Adepoju will also serve on the committee.

Other members are former Nigeria U20 strategist and President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso, and former FIFA referee and former Head of Management Studies at the National Institute for Sports, Dr Alex Mana.

Former Nigeria international and Deputy Director in the NFF Technical Department, Nasiru Jibril, will serve as secretary.

The committee’s work comes at a crucial period for Nigerian football, with the federation seeking answers to the national teams’ recent struggles and possible measures to prevent similar setbacks in the future.

The outcome of the investigation is expected within two weeks, when the committee submits its report to the NFF.

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