FIFA Approves Ghanaian Referees for International Matches in 2026

FIFA establishes normalisation committee for Nigeria Football Federation

FIFA has approved the establishment of a normalisation committee to take over the management of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This decision, announced on Thursday via the NFF Communications Department, comes as a direct response to leadership instability within the federation. The committee is mandated to run the daily operations of Nigerian football and organise elections for a new executive body, with its term set to conclude no later than May 31, 2027. The administrative intervention follows a wave of high-profile resignations among the NFF’s top leadership. These departures were triggered by intense public and internal criticism following the Super Eagles' failure to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup. To ensure neutrality and restore order, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will jointly select the committee's members. In a move to prevent conflicts of interest, none of the individuals appointed to this normalisation committee will be permitted to stand as candidates in the subsequent NFF executive elections. This administrative reset marks a significant shift for Nigerian football as it seeks to rebuild its governance structures and regain international confidence. The committee will act as the interim governing body, ensuring that the NFF complies with global standards while navigating the transition to a permanent leadership team. By setting a deadline in May 2027, FIFA has provided a substantial window for thorough reforms aimed at stabilising the sport in one of Africa's most prominent footballing nations.