Gusau’s Resignation : NFSC Boss Ikpea Calls For Calm, Peaceful Congress, And All-Inclusive NFF

By Joseph Odoekwu, KSM

*LAGOS- AUGUST 27, 2026:* The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, NFSC, Rev. (Amb) Samuel Ikpea, has called for calm and unity following the resignation of the NFF President and members of the board, describing the development as a difficult but necessary moment for Nigerian football.

Ikpea, who spoke from the NFSC National Secretariat in Lagos, said the resignations which was announced today followed a period of intense pressure on the board after the poor performances of Nigeria’s national teams.

“Nigerians are still hurting from the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the disappointing outing of the Super Falcons,” Ikpea said.
“It was a tough moment for everyone involved. I am convinced that the board members felt the weight of responsibility and took this decision in the overall interest of the game.”

Following the resignations, Ikpea revealed that the NFSC National Executive Council held an emergency meeting and arrived at a clear position on the way forward.

*NFSC POSITION: NEUTRALITY AND NATIONAL INTEREST*

“We are not aligned with any faction,” Ikpea declared. “Our loyalty is to Nigerian Football and to the millions of supporters who invest their time, money, and emotions in the game week after week.

Football is our greatest unifying force. From Kano to Lagos, from Enugu to Uyo, it brings us together. We must not allow administrative challenges to divide us. What Nigeria needs now is stability, dialogue, and peace.”

While trying to make a constructive input on the ongoing crises in Nigeria, the NFSC made the following demands:

*NFSC DEMANDS*

*1. Peace and Calm*
NFSC urges all stakeholders, former board members, State FA Chairmen, clubs, players, referees, coaches, and fans to avoid statements and actions capable of further polarizing the football community. The image of Nigerian football must be protected on and off the pitch.

*2. A Peaceful and Transparent Congress*
NFSC calls on the NFF Electoral Committee and the National Sports Commission to midwife a free, fair, peaceful, and credible congress in line with the NFF Statute, FIFA and CAF guidelines. There must be no room for violence, intimidation, or imposition of candidates.

*3. Merit Over Sentiment*
“This is not the time for tribal, regional, or personal sentiments,” Ikpea stressed. “Nigeria needs the best heads to run our football. The next NFF board must comprise administrators with competence, capacity, integrity, and a clear vision for modern football, development, and grassroots growth irrespective of their tribe.”

*4. An All-Inclusive NFF and Statute*
NFSC advocates for a congress and a statute that carry all stakeholders along. These include:
– State Football Associations
– NPFL, NNL, NWFL Clubs and Football Academies
– Players Union, Coaches Association, Referees Association
– Women’s Football, Grassroots, and Supporters Groups
– Corporate Partners and the Diaspora

“No single group should own Nigerian football. An inclusive structure guarantees transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.”

“Nigerian Football is bigger than any individual or group. It belongs to the people.”

Ikpea reaffirmed NFSC’s commitment to supporting the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, and all national teams during this period.

“We believe that out of this crisis can emerge a stronger, more united, and more professional NFF.
We call on all Nigerians to put the game first. Let peace reign. Let due process prevail. Let us build an NFF that works for everyone,” he concluded.