The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially approved a series of key reforms and high-level appointments following its Extraordinary General Assembly held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, today, March 23, 2026.
Delegates gathered at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall to chart a new course for Nigerian football.
The session began on a somber note as members observed a minute’s silence for late legends, including former coach Adegboye Onigbinde and ex-captain Henry Nwosu.
According to Premium Times the Congress gave a unanimous vote of confidence to the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led Executive Committee.
The assembly praised the current leadership for its steady efforts to develop the game across the 36 states.
New Electoral Bodies And Global Auditors Appointed
A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of the NFF Electoral and Appeals Committees. Twelve professionals were selected from the six geopolitical zones to oversee the upcoming football elections.
“The Congress approved the appointment of twelve persons to serve on the NFF Electoral Committee and the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee,” the official communique stated. These members will be inaugurated in Abuja this Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
The appointed members include Barr. Matthew Burkala, SAN (North Central), Alhaji Babagoni Grema (North East), and Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke (South East), among others.
Furthermore, the Congress updated the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code to meet global standards.
In a move to boost transparency, the NFF appointed the global firm Ernst & Young as its new independent auditor.
They will serve an initial four-year term, taking over from PricewaterhouseCoopers after their nine-year tenure.
The Congress also expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained backing of sports.
They alleged that improved funding and incentives have been vital for the success of various national teams recently.
Representatives from FIFA and CAF were also present to witness the proceedings. Looking forward, the delegates approved Lafia, Nasarawa State, as the host city for the Elective Congress scheduled for September 26, 2026.
NFF 2026 Electoral & Appeals Committee Appointees
This is the list of the 12 newly appointed members of the NFF Electoral and Appeals Committees, organized by their respective geopolitical zones following the assembly in Yenagoa.
| Geopolitical Zone | Appointed Members |
| North Central | Barr. Matthew Burkala, SAN; Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi |
| North East | Alhaji Babagoni Grema; Barr. Benjamin Sak |
| North West | Bature Musa; Prof. Abdulmalik Awwal |
| South East | Hon. Justice C. J. Aneke; Arinze Azubuike Anughere, Esq. |
| South West | Hon. (Dr) Akogun Olugbenga Omole; Abayomi Akin Omoyimi, Esq. |
| South South | Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, Esq.; Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam |
These 12 professionals will be inaugurated in Abuja on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. From this group, five will serve as full members of the Electoral Committee (with two alternates), and three will form the Electoral Appeals Committee (with two alternates).
Can bringing in a global firm like Ernst & Young finally ensure total transparency in how Nigerian football funds are spent? Share your views on this matter in the comments section.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
