NFF Sets Election Timetable for 2026 Executive Committee
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Committee has published the roadmap for the 2026 NFF Executive Committee elections. According to the timetable, the sale of nomination forms begins on Saturday, 1 August, and the election itself will be held on 27 September in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.
Key Dates for Candidates
Candidates have until 12 August to submit their completed nomination forms after the election rules and guidelines are released. Between 13 and 19 August, the Electoral Committee will notify aspirants of any irregularities in their documentation. A correction window runs from 20 to 27 August, followed by candidate screening from 27 to 30 August.
Provisional List, Appeals and Final Approval
A provisional list of cleared candidates will be released on 31 August. Those disqualified may lodge appeals between 1 and 3 September, with the appeals committee expected to conclude its work from 4 to 10 September. The final list of eligible candidates will be published between 11 and 12 September.
Delegates List and Campaign Period
The delegates’ list will follow on 13 September. Approved candidates will be permitted to campaign from 14 to 24 September ahead of the poll on 27 September. After the election, the deadline for submitting election petitions is set for 30 September.
CAF Delegation Inspects Nigerian Venues
Parallel to the election preparations, a five‑member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has arrived in Nigeria to assess facilities for hosting the CAF’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly and the annual CAF Awards ceremony. The team, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, CAF Head of Safety and Security, includes experts in technology, travel and accommodation, transport, and branding.
The inspection commenced in Abuja with a visit to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The delegation will also evaluate the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (earmarked for the General Assembly) and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Subsequent assessments will take place in Lagos, covering the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (proposed venue for the CAF Awards), Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and EKO Hotel & Suites.
The CAF officials are being accompanied throughout the visit by an NFF team comprising Dr Ademola Olajire (Director of Media and Communications), Alizor Chuks (Director of Marketing), Barnabas Joro (Head of Security), Emmanuel Ayanbunmi (Chief Protocol Officer) and Tasiu Riskuwa Shehu (Head of ICT).
Historical Context
Nigeria has previously hosted the CAF Congress only twice, in 1980 and 2009. The current inspection aims to confirm the country’s readiness to stage these prestigious continental events once again.
