By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has postponed its 2026 Elective Congress by 24 hours, moving the exercise from Sept. 26 to Sept. 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The federation said the decision was approved during an extraordinary virtual general assembly held on Wednesday to address a scheduling conflict involving the Super Eagles.

In a statement on Wednesday, NFF Director of Public Relations, Ademola Olajide, said the congress would still hold in Lafia but on Sunday, Sept. 27.

The Elective Congress will usher in members of the NFF Executive Committee who will oversee the federation’s affairs for the next four years.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, said the date change became necessary following confirmation of the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“Following interactions with the Confederation of African Football, the date agreed for the match is Friday, Sept. 25,” Gusau explained.

He noted that several election candidates are expected to be involved in the national team’s activities and would struggle to reach Lafia in time.

“Obviously, it will be highly impossible for a number of candidates in the election, who will be at the match, to make it to Lafia the following morning,” he said.

Gusau added that the NFF Executive Committee convened the extraordinary general assembly to ensure fairness and adequate participation in the electoral process.

“The Congress is to put forward a proposal for the Elective Congress to now take place in Lafia, Nasarawa State on Sunday, Sept. 27,” he stated.

According to him, members of Congress unanimously endorsed the proposal during deliberations held at the virtual meeting.

“A member of the Congress moved a motion in line with the proposal, and it was immediately seconded, putting a seal on the new date,” Gusau said.

The adjustment is expected to allow delegates and candidates sufficient time to travel from the Super Eagles’ qualifier against Madagascar’s Barea to Lafia.

The election is regarded as a significant event for Nigerian football, as it will determine the federation’s leadership structure for the next four-year cycle. (NAN)

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