Gusau Vows To Use WAFU, FIFA Roles To Strengthen Nigeria’s Voice In African Football

Gusau Vows To Use WAFU, FIFA Roles To Strengthen Nigeria’s Voice In African Football

By Our Reporter 

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has pledged to use his positions within African and global football structures to promote the interests of Nigeria, West Africa and the wider African football community, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gusau made the commitment during the announcement of his resignation last Thursday in Abuja. Gusau was appointed to the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, a role that places him among officials contributing to discussions and decisions on the development and future of men’s club football globally.

The earstwhile NFF president described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, saying he intends to justify the confidence placed in him by FIFA’s leadership.

The WAFU B President also said his experience in Nigerian and West African football would enable him to bring an African perspective to the committee’s deliberations, particularly on issues affecting the growth and sustainability of the club game.

Gusau currently stepped down from his key positions within Nigerian football administration but remains the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B President. He believes these responsibilities have given him a broader understanding of the challenges confronting football development across the continent.

His appointment comes at a time when African football is seeking a greater role in global football decision-making. The growing participation of African clubs in international competitions has also heightened discussions around commercial opportunities, player development, infrastructure and the financial sustainability of the club game.

Gusau said African representatives in international football structures must ensure that the continent’s interests are adequately reflected whenever decisions affecting the global game are taken.

He further expressed his readiness to work with other members of the FIFA committee to develop policies and initiatives capable of strengthening football economies, particularly in countries where the professional club game remains at a developmental stage.

Nigeria has continued to maintain a presence within FIFA’s decision-making structures through a number of appointments. Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick serves as deputy chair of the FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee, while NFF Executive Committee member Aisha Falode is a member of the FIFA Media and Communications Committee. Other Nigerians have also served in various FIFA structures.

Against this backdrop, Gusau’s appointment represents more than a personal achievement. It reinforces Nigeria’s ambition to remain an influential participant in African and international football administration.