Dark cloud hovers around NFF September 26 Elective Congress

Dark cloud hovers around NFF September 26 Elective Congress

By Ohis Asein

With the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress scheduled for September 26, 2026, football stakeholders are beginning to ask a critical question: Is the timeline still realistic?

While the NFF has constituted its Electoral Committee, one major aspect of the electoral process has yet to commence—the sale of nomination forms. This is only the first of several important stages that must be completed before delegates can elect a new leadership.

After the sale of forms, aspirants must submit their completed documents for screening. The Electoral Committee will then release the list of qualified candidates. Any aspirant dissatisfied with the outcome has the right to appeal, meaning the Appeals Committee must also sit and conclude its work before the final list of candidates is published.

As of July 20, 2026, none of these processes has begun.

The timing also presents another challenge. The Super Falcons will begin the defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title next weekend in Morocco. Traditionally, the NFF leadership plays a significant role in supporting the team throughout major competitions.

Considering the quality, experience, and pedigree of the Ten-time African champions, many observers expect the Super Falcons to reach at least the semi-finals, if not the final. That would keep senior football administrators occupied until the first week of August.

This means that between early August and September 26, the NFF would have to complete the sale of nomination forms, receive completed forms, conduct screening, hear and determine appeals, publish the final list of candidates, and conclude every other constitutional requirement ahead of the Elective Congress.

This has naturally raised concerns among stakeholders, who believe the available time is becoming increasingly tight.

The big question now is: Can the NFF complete the entire electoral process in a transparent, credible, and orderly manner before September 26, or will the timetable come under pressure?

For now, only time—and the actions of the Electoral Committee—will provide the answer.