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Claim: An Instagram user claims that President Tinubu has submitted a list of nominees to replace Ibrahim Musa as NFF Chairperson.
Verdict: False. The NFF president is elected by the federation’s congress, not appointed by the president, and there is no official or credible evidence that Tinubu submitted such a list.
Full Text
The Super Eagles’ struggles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have not gone unnoticed, despite defeating Rwanda by a goal to nil on Sept. 6, 2025.
Many Nigerians have voiced their frustration, blaming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the team’s shaky performances.
Amidst the crisis, an Instagram user, Alimasadia, claimed President Bola Tinubu had submitted a list of nominees to replace the NFF president, Ibrahim Musa.
The post read, “President Tinubu has submitted a list of nominees to replace Ibrahim Musa as NFF Chairman. The list includes notable figures like Kanu Nwankwo, Jay-Jay Okocha, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), and Mikel Obi. These candidates will undergo screening for the immediate appointment of the new NFF chairman (Sports minister on NTA news).”
As of Sept. 8, 2025, the post had generated 2,972 likes, 904 comments, 162 shares, and 60 reposts.
Reactions to the Instagram post varied.
“Finally, an appointment for FFK,” just-ognatty1 said.
“Fake news. They don’t appoint the NFF chairman. They vote for them,” Bizzleosikoya stated.
The differing reactions and the potential to mislead people prompted DUBAWA to verify the claim.
Verification
Checks on the official state house website and recent Presidency announcements showed no statement or press release regarding changes in the leadership of the NFF. Presidential communications on appointments have not mentioned the NFF or its current president.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) governs football activities in Nigeria, from the Super Eagles’ international engagements to grassroots development. The federation is the authority in charge of Nigeria’s national football teams, both female and male, across all levels. It joined FIFA in 1960.
Ibrahim Gusau, the current president of the federation, was elected in October 2022. As of Sept. 9, 2025, he has neither been officially removed nor suspended.
In addition, FIFA statutes clarify the issues of interference. The provisions forbid third-party involvement, including government interference, in member associations’ electoral processes or internal affairs.
Each federation is expected to run its affairs independently without outside influence. This means the government has no role in how the NFF conducts its elections or manages its leadership.
Any violation of these rules can attract serious sanctions, including suspending the country and its teams from FIFA-sanctioned competitions.
Furthermore, no credible Nigerian media outlet, including The Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, Channels TV, or Premium Times, has reported that Tinubu submitted any list of nominees to replace Gusau.
To verify further, DUBAWA texted Bayo Onanuga, Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, on Sept. 7, 2025. We also called him to clarify if the President had indeed forwarded or approved any nominees for the NFF chairpersonship. As of Sept. 9, 2025, we have not received a response.
We also contacted Gusau on the same date to confirm whether the NFF had received any official communication from the Presidency regarding a leadership change. We sent text messages and followed up with calls, and we got no reply.
In addition, Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, was contacted with the same inquiry through texts and calls, but he also did not respond.
Conclusion
The claim that President Tinubu has submitted a list of nominees to replace Ibrahim Musa as NFF chairperson is false. The NFF chairperson is elected, not appointed by the president, and no official statement or credible report supports the claim.
