Gusau Vows To Champion Nigeria, Africa’s Interests In Global Football

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has pledged to use his positions within African and global football structures to promote the interests of Nigeria, West Africa and the wider African football community.

Gusau made the commitment in Abuja last Thursday while announcing his resignation from his key positions in Nigerian football administration.

Despite stepping down from his NFF role, Gusau remains President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B and has recently been appointed to the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, where he will contribute to discussions and decisions concerning the development and future of men’s club football globally.

Describing the FIFA appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, Gusau said he would work to justify the confidence placed in him by FIFA’s leadership.

The WAFU B President said his experience in Nigerian and West African football would enable him to bring an African perspective to the committee’s deliberations, particularly on issues concerning the growth and sustainability of the club game.

Gusau said his years of involvement in football administration had given him a broader understanding of the challenges facing the development of the sport across Africa.

His appointment comes as African football continues to seek greater representation in global decision-making, amid growing participation by African clubs in international competitions and increasing discussions around commercial opportunities, player development, infrastructure and financial sustainability.

He stressed the importance of African representatives in international football structures ensuring that the continent’s interests were adequately reflected in decisions affecting the global game.

Gusau also expressed his readiness to work with other members of the FIFA committee to develop policies and initiatives capable of strengthening football economies, particularly in countries where professional club football remains at a developmental stage.

Nigeria continues to maintain a presence in FIFA’s decision-making structures. Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick serves as deputy chairman of the FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee, while NFF Executive Committee member Aisha Falode is a member of the FIFA Media and Communications Committee.

Several other Nigerians have also served in various FIFA committees and football governance structures over the years.