Nigeria Football Federation moves its 2026 electoral congress in Lafia after CAF confirms AFCON qualifying fixture.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially postponed its 2026 Elective Congress by one day, with the exercise now scheduled to take place on September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The congress was originally fixed for September 26, but the federation approved a change after identifying a scheduling conflict with the Super Eagles’ opening qualifying match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The decision was reached during the NFF’s virtual Extraordinary General Assembly, where members unanimously adopted the revised date.
Super Eagles Fixture Prompted Date Change
Explaining the reason for the adjustment, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the federation had to consider the impact of the Super Eagles’ international commitment.
According to the NFF, discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifying match against Madagascar’s Barea will be played on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The federation noted that several individuals contesting positions in the election are expected to be involved in the national team’s activities, making it difficult for them to travel to Lafia in time for the original congress date.
In a statement, the NFF explained:
“Following interactions with CAF, the date agreed for the match is Friday, September 25, 2026. It will be highly impossible for a number of candidates in the election, who will be at the match, to make it to Lafia the following morning in time for the Elective Congress.”
Election to Decide NFF Leadership
The elective congress will determine the composition of the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee, whose members will oversee the administration of Nigerian football for the next four years.
With the date adjustment now approved, delegates are expected to gather in Lafia on September 27 to elect the federation’s leadership.
The NFF believes the revised timetable will ensure that all eligible candidates and delegates can fully participate in the electoral process without conflicting with the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifying responsibilities.