NFF President Extends Congratulations to FIFA's Infantino on 10-Year Milestone
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has sent a congratulatory message to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, marking his 10th anniversary as the head of global football's governing body. This gesture comes at a critical juncture as Nigeria anxiously awaits FIFA's verdict on its 2026 World Cup case against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Anniversary Message Delivered Amid Pending FIFA Decision
In a video message shared on the NFF's official X page, Gusau extended warm congratulations on behalf of Nigeria's football stakeholders. He praised Infantino for his transformative leadership over the past decade, highlighting significant changes in the global football landscape. Gusau emphasized Nigeria's continued support for Infantino's vision, particularly for advancements in African football.
"My dear president Gianni Infantino, I want to use this opportunity on behalf of football stakeholders in Nigeria to congratulate you on your 10 years anniversary in charge of global football," Gusau stated. "These 10 years have brought a lot of transformation into the football sector globally. We are therefore proud to be part of you, and we are reassuring you that we will continue to be part of you because we know your mission, and we know that you're going to do more, especially for African football and Nigeria."
Background on Infantino's FIFA Presidency
Gianni Infantino celebrated his 10-year anniversary on February 25, 2026, having assumed the role in 2016 after succeeding acting president Issa Hayatou. Hayatou had taken over following the departure of Sepp Blatter in 2015 amid corruption allegations. Infantino was re-elected for another four-year term in 2023, securing his position until at least 2027, with future elections scheduled beyond that point.
Nigeria's World Cup Case Against DR Congo
The timing of Gusau's message is particularly noteworthy as the NFF awaits FIFA's ruling on its dispute with DR Congo. Nigeria is seeking to have DR Congo disqualified from the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff, alleging that FIFA was misled into approving the nationality switch of players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka. This case has added a layer of urgency to Nigeria's football administration, with the Super Eagles' World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.
Adding to the complexity, there are uncertainties surrounding the playoff's location in Mexico, following recent violence in Guadalajara and other cities after the death of cartel leader El Mencho. Infantino, during a visit to Colombia, expressed confidence that the playoffs and the World Cup would proceed as planned, though FIFA may consider relocating the events if the security situation deteriorates.
Update from Nigeria's Sports Commission
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has provided updates on the ongoing case, with chairman Shehu Dikko acknowledging that while the Super Eagles are competitively out of contention, legal technicalities could potentially revive their chances. FIFA has remained tight-lipped about the verdict, keeping Nigerian football fans and officials in suspense.
This diplomatic outreach by the NFF president underscores the high stakes involved, as Nigeria navigates both celebratory milestones and contentious legal battles in the world of international football.
