Gusau Outlines Vision for FIFA Role as Nigeria Strengthens Global Football Influence
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and WAFU-B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, has pledged to make impactful and strategic contributions to the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, following his recent appointment by the world football governing body.
Describing the role as a ‘recognition and honour,’ Gusau emphasized his commitment to using his experience to shape global club football while advocating for the interests of Nigeria, West Africa, and the African continent.
‘It is a recognition and honour that I do not take for granted. It is important to make robust contributions that will justify the confidence reposed in my person and other members by the FIFA Council, and which will also be in the interest of Nigeria, West African and the African game at large,’ Gusau said.
Gusau, who also serves on the CAF Executive Committee as a regional president, said his presence in multiple leadership roles gives him a unique vantage point to represent African football effectively.
‘I am dedicated to using my professional experience to foster robust and diverse discussions, ultimately helping the committee toward informed decision-making,’ he added. ‘Personally, I will be able to provide valuable insights from the African game.’
He expressed enthusiasm about working with committee chair Jassim Rashid Al Buenain of Qatar and deputy chair Mikel Arriola of Mexico, noting that the committee’s work could accelerate football development in emerging nations.
‘Our contributions can engender the rapid growth of football economies in those countries that are still lagging behind, as club football remains the clear pathway to achieving this everywhere,’ Gusau said.
His appointment is part of a broader wave of Nigerian representation in FIFA committees, reflecting the country’s growing stature in global football governance.
Former NFF President and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, OFR, ROI, was named Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee, chaired by Paraguay’s Robert Harrison.
NFF Executive Committee Member Aisha Falode was appointed to the FIFA Media and Communications Committee, led by Ivorian FA President Yacine Idriss Diallo.
Former CAF Appeal Board President A. U. Mustapha (SAN) joined the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, chaired by Ghanaian FA President Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku.
Justice Ayotunde Phillips, former Chief Judge of Lagos State, was retained as a member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (Adjudicatory Council).
