GSF Advocates ‘Continuity’ Despite Critics

Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), faces a re-election battle as his term comes to an end. A group known as Gusau Solidarity Forum (GSF) is advocating for 'continuity' in 2026. However, critics question this call, pointing to a lack of tangible achievements and leadership under Gusau’s presidency.

According to reporting by Vanguard Nigeria - Sports, GSF asserts that Gusau has demonstrated qualities such as leadership, vision, progress, and building a future for Nigerian football. Yet, these claims are met with skepticism due to several failures and shortcomings during his tenure.

Lack of Leadership

Gusau’s lack of decisive leadership is highlighted by the loss of key World Cup qualifiers against neighboring Benin. In 2019, Nigeria was supposed to host matches but failed to do so despite nearby stadiums being available in Benin. This decision affected Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.

Missing Visionary Plans

The NFF president is also accused of failing to introduce any groundbreaking initiatives that could transform Nigerian football. The teams, from both the club and national levels, have shown no significant improvement over the past decade.

No Progress in Domestic Development

A notable absence of local player development and underperformance in CAF competitions indicate little progress during Gusau’s term. Local players from Nigerian leagues struggle to make the Super Eagles squad, and football clubs are failing to compete at higher levels. Critics argue that this decline is partly due to poor governance.

Landmines and Unfair Criticism

Former NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who was part of Gusau’s installation, is now criticized as a failure while Gana Al-Hassan argues that the current administration has faced hurdles. However, many question why these ‘landmines’ were allowed to create obstacles in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question?

The critics ask whether continuity is desirable given Gusau’s apparent lack of significant achievements and progress? Is it wise to continue with someone who hasn't tackled structural problems in Nigerian football?

Answer.

The critics argue that continuity could mean maintaining the status quo, leading Nigeria's football into further mediocrity. They believe a change is necessary for substantial improvement.