Leadership is all embracing. It is the process of inspiring, motivating, and guiding others to achieve a common goal or vision. A leader is someone who sets direction and vision, communicates effectively, build trust and relationships, empowers and develop others, makes informed decisions, takes responsibility and accountability and leads by example.

Leadership is not just about a title or position, but about influencing and making a positive impact on others to achieve a shared purpose.

For  Ibrahim Musa Gusau, there are some of qualities that endared him into  venturing to the revered position of the NFF President.

For those who may not know , Gusau, saw it all, before venturing  into the muddy waters of the NFF Presidency. 

He served as the FA Chairman of Zamfara state for over a decade, and also the Chairman of Zamfara State Sports Commission. 

Ibrahim Musa Gusau who was born on 1 March 1964  served as three tenure member of the NFF Executive Committee among which he emerged as the  Chairman of the Chairmen of the Federation.  Gusau is a committee member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and a member of CAF youth organising committee.

Before assuming the position of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, which he 
mounted on
31 September 2022, Gusau is a professional Accountant who rose to the position of a Director in the Zamfara State Civil Service.

At the 78th elective congress of the Nigeria Football Federation Gusau was  elected as the 40th President of the Federation in Benin City, Edo State.

Since, assuming office, Gusau and his crew have taken some major 
decisions aimed at moving the game forward in country. Just in every administration, such decisions may not be acceptable to all. 

Recently, the appointment of a Head Coach for the Super Eagles was a litmus test for Ibrahim Gusau and his Board. The position of the Head Coach became vacant following the resignation of the Jose Passeiro, the Coach that led the Nigerians to win silver at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'ivoire. 

Passerio's departure put  Gusau on the hot seat. He was divided into who would replace the European, will it be a foreigner or Nigerian? If a Nigerian would be chosen, who among the array of Coaches that applied would he take?

 Who among the Coaches would lead the former AFCON champions to prosecute the two world cup qualifiers that was fast approaching? So many Coaches were shortlisted, at the end, Finidi George was announced. 

Finidi's announcement did met various oppositions, those who believed others are better, gave their reasons, others also say why Finidi was the best. There were handful of others who preferred a Foreigner. 

No doubt, some of the factors that gave Finidi an edge includes his working with Passeiro for over 20 months, need for continuity, Coaching one of the most prominent team in the country, his international experience as a player and Manager. 

Finidi was unveiled in a colourful ceremony on 12 May 2024. Finidi prosecuted two friendly matches against Ghana and Mali. He won one against Ghana (2:1), lost to Mali by 2:0). At the world cup qualifiers proper, Finidi's Eagles reduced the chances of Nigeria going  to the World cup, the second time in a row. The Eagles forced the Bafana, Bafana of South Africa to a one all draw in Uyo, and lost 0-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan, Cote D'ivoire. The defeat to Benin Republic was the first in a World cup qualifier. The annoying aspect been that the Chettahs of Benin Republic were led by Genrot Rohr. A Coach that was sacked by the NFF for none performance.

The bitterness in the land was very evident, and the government had to step in through the Minister of Sports Development.

 Immediately, Gusau convocates his board members, and various decisions were taken to save the looming danger.

Gusau and his men came to the realization that Nigerians are not happy, they  wholeheartedly apologized. This is one of the components of good leadership.   They promised to work assiduously to put measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September this year and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025. 

They further resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

For sure, this period may not the best time for Ibrahim Musa Gusau, as he navigates through these teething periods. His genuine intention is to ensure that all the National teams  qualify for all the tournaments, and win laurels for the country.

As it is today, Gusau is now on the hotseat, and the ways  he navigates and wringles out of them will go a long to confirm his leadership qualities. But in all, one thing that is basic is that Ibrahim Musa Gusau will come out better.