By VICTOR OKOYE

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday inaugurated its Electoral and Appeals Committees to oversee elections into its Executive Committee for 2026–2030.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, who performed the inauguration at the Secretariat in Abuja, urged fairness, transparency and integrity.

Gusau charged members to act without bias or pressure, stressing the importance of credibility in strengthening Nigerian football governance.

“We expect diligence, neutrality and courage,” Gusau said.

“This process must inspire confidence locally and internationally as a model of transparent football administration.”

He added that the federation would support the committees fully to deliver credible elections acceptable to all stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the committees, Matthew Burka’a pledged professionalism and accountability throughout the exercise.

“We will conduct a free, fair and credible election that reflects global best practices and earns the trust of the football community,” Burka’a assured.

He noted global attention from FIFA, CAF and stakeholders, promising the exercise would set a benchmark for future sporting and political elections.

“We understand the weight of expectation. This election will stand as a reference point for integrity, not just in football but in governance,” he added.

Members of the Electoral Committee include Burka’a, Babagoni Grema, Bature Musa, Ayibaye Temedie and Olugbenga Omole, with Arinze Anughele and Abayomi Omoyimi as alternates.

The Appeals Committeee comprises Justice C.J. Aneke, Benjamin Sati and Abdulmalik Awwal, with Emmanuel Obafemi and Ayi Ukpayam as alternates.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, will serve as secretary to both committees in line with statutory provisions.

The elections into the NFF Executive Committee will hold on Sept. 26 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Dignitaries at the event included Philip Shaibu, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Silas Agara, George Aluo and other senior NFF officials. (NAN)