Ikpeme, Abdulrahaman Assume Interim Roles At NFF, NPFL

Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman have assumed new responsibilities at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), respectively, as authorities move to maintain continuity in football administration following the resignation of the federation’s top officials.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) approved Ikpeme, who previously served as Deputy General Secretary, to oversee the NFF Secretariat as Interim General Secretary. Dr Ademola Olajire, formerly the Director of Media and Communications, has also been appointed Interim Deputy General Secretary.

The appointments followed the resignation of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee on Thursday.

In a related development, the NFF on Friday appointed Abdulrahaman as Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL. His appointment coincided with the opening of the new league season, which began with a clash between CAF Confederation Cup representatives Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos FC at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan.

Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate in sports administration, is expected to bring extensive experience from across Nigeria’s various football leagues to the position.

Ikpeme explained that Abdulrahaman’s appointment was in line with a directive issued on Thursday requiring board members, appointed chief executives and non-NFF-staff Chief Operating Officers of the various leagues to vacate their positions.

He confirmed that the new appointment took immediate effect.

As part of the restructuring, chairmen, appointed directors and chief executives of the NPFL, Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have been directed to hand over the administration of their respective competitions to NFF staff serving as Chief Operating Officers.

Where no such officer is currently in place, the federation is expected to deploy one to oversee the administration of the affected league.

Meanwhile, all activities related to the NFF Elective Congress, which had been scheduled for September 27, have been suspended.

A new electoral process will only commence after comprehensive reforms of the football administration system have been completed in consultation with FIFA and CAF.

The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigerian football administration, following repeated failures by the country to qualify for major regional, continental and global competitions.

Tinubu said the reforms should address longstanding weaknesses in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, player development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability within Nigerian football.

The President noted that despite progress recorded in other sporting disciplines since the re-establishment of the NSC, football had continued to face challenges largely because of structural deficiencies.

He consequently directed the NSC Chairman to work with the NFF Secretariat and other stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted football administration while leading a broad-based reform process in consultation with FIFA and CAF.