If Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), were of Igbo descent, his name might have been “Olugboo,” meaning “one who fought many battles and emerged victorious.”  Since assuming office as NFF President, Gusau has indeed fought and won numerous battles—both on and off the field—that have had lasting implications for Nigerian football.

One of the most notable “battles” Gusau faced was Nigeria’s tense diplomatic clash with Libya, a situation that almost escalated into a full-scale diplomatic incident. Despite the pressure, Gusau remained calm, meticulously handling the situation and securing a favorable resolution. Even when doubts arose about his ability to navigate the North African-dominated CAF groups, Gusau triumphed. While Libya has yet to acknowledge its wrongs in detaining a Nigerian football contingent, Gusau’s leadership ensured Nigeria’s interests were protected.

Another ongoing battle for Gusau is revamping the CHAN Eagles—Nigeria’s team for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition exclusively for players plying their trade in domestic leagues. Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, Nigerian administrations have often neglected the team, with only Stephen Keshi’s 2014 semi-final achievement serving as a notable exception. Gusau has made it a priority to change this narrative. Under his leadership, preparations for the next CHAN qualification have been proactive. Players are regularly called into camp, trained intensively, and then returned to their respective clubs, ensuring they remain match-fit. This approach is a positive signal for home-based players, offering them a clearer pathway to the senior national team. Gusau is steadily winning this battle, too.

Since taking office in September 2022, Gusau’s presidency has been marked by both challenges and significant accomplishments. His leadership has been tested by a range of issues, from the NFF’s internal governance crises to the underperformance of national teams. However, Gusau’s resilience and strategic approach have allowed him to steer the federation through these turbulent waters.

Before becoming NFF President, Gusau had a distinguished career in Nigerian football, having served as the Chairman of the Zamfara State Football Association and in various capacities within the NFF. As Chairman of Chairmen in the previous NFF Board, he mediated several State Football Association electoral crises. This experience equipped him with a deep understanding of Nigerian football’s complexities, both on and off the pitch, and prepared him to navigate the federation’s troubled waters.

One of Gusau’s first major challenges upon assuming office was addressing governance issues within the NFF. The previous administration had left behind a legacy of corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency, causing widespread distrust among stakeholders, including players, coaches, and fans.

To restore confidence, Gusau prioritized transparency. He established an independent auditing committee to monitor the NFF’s finances and called for regular financial reports to be made public. These measures helped rebuild trust and were crucial in establishing a credible leadership for the federation.

Youth development has long been a challenge in Nigerian football, with many young players struggling for recognition and support. Gusau recognized this and took significant steps to revitalize the grassroots and youth development programs. He personally championed initiatives aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent, such as organizing training camps and competitions for the Future Eagles, Nigeria’s under-17 and under-20 teams.

In partnership with state football associations, Gusau has worked to create a more sustainable talent pipeline, ensuring that the next generation of Super Eagles players has access to better resources and development opportunities.

Gusau’s leadership has also been tested by the underperformance of Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles. In recent years, the team has faced disappointing results in international competitions, prompting calls for reform. Gusau responded by reviewing the national team’s structure, focusing on player selection, coaching staff, and preparation.

Under Gusau, the NFF has implemented a more data-driven approach to player selection and performance analysis. Additionally, Gusau has worked to strengthen the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), which has struggled with financial instability and low visibility. He initiated partnerships with corporate sponsors to inject much-needed funds into the league and has pushed for better media coverage to increase fan engagement.

These steps are designed to strengthen Nigerian football from the grassroots to the elite level, providing the Super Eagles with a solid foundation for future success.

Gusau has also demonstrated strong diplomatic skills, particularly in his dealings with international football bodies such as FIFA and CAF. His ability to secure Nigeria’s interests in international football matters was evident during the recent diplomatic dispute with Libya, when he successfully rallied support for Nigeria’s position in the aftermath of the aborted AFCON 2025 fixture.

He has also worked to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders in global football, ensuring Nigeria receives the necessary support and recognition on the international stage.

Political interference has been a long-standing issue in Nigerian football governance. Gusau has skillfully navigated this by engaging with government officials and educating them on the importance of non-interference in football matters. His ability to balance political interests with the need for an independent football federation has been vital in maintaining stability.

He has also prioritized communication and collaboration within the football community, holding regular meetings with coaches, club owners, and players to address concerns and gather feedback. This inclusive approach has helped foster a sense of shared responsibility among all stakeholders, promoting a more unified vision for Nigerian football.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Gusau’s presidency has been marked by a clear vision for the future of Nigerian football. His long-term goals include improving the competitive standards of the NPFL, ensuring consistent performance from national teams, and cultivating a culture of excellence across all levels of the sport.

While the road ahead remains challenging, Gusau’s ability to overcome obstacles and make strategic decisions has laid the foundation for a brighter future for Nigerian football. As he continues to lead, the NFF President remains committed to the development of the sport, both on and off the field. His leadership promises to shape the trajectory of Nigerian football for years to come.