Nigeria football faces squad changes and NFF reform calls

Nigerian football is facing both squad selection developments and significant administrative pressure. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has signaled interest in several players for the upcoming September Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Among those highlighted for their recent club form are Alhassan Yusuf, Chidera Ejuke, George Ilenikhena, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Simultaneously, calls for a complete overhaul of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are intensifying. Former internationals and reform advocates are demanding the resignation of the current board, led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau, following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ loss of an automatic qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Critics have raised concerns regarding administrative ineptitude and the fairness of the upcoming NFF elective congress scheduled for September 2026.