The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved quickly to ensure continuity at its Secretariat following the resignation of General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, with Deputy General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, set to assume the position in an acting capacity, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Ikpeme is expected to formally resume as Acting General Secretary on Friday, August 28, 2026, following Sanusi’s resignation in Abuja on Wednesday.
His elevation is part of the federation’s interim measures aimed at maintaining the smooth running of its day-to-day affairs while further decisions on the administration of Nigerian football are awaited.
The experienced administrator is expected to oversee the NFF Secretariat and coordinate its daily operations pending developments surrounding the proposed Normalisation Committee reportedly being considered by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Ikpeme brings considerable administrative and academic experience to the role. He previously lectured at the University of Calabar before serving as Sole Administrator of the Cross River State Sports Council, where he gained valuable experience in sports administration.
He joined the NFF in 2007 after being appointed Deputy Secretary-General (Technical), a position he held before being elevated to Deputy General Secretary in March 2015.
Over the years, Ikpeme has played a role in the technical and administrative affairs of Nigerian football, making his appointment an experienced choice to steer the Secretariat through the current period of transition.
His immediate task will be to ensure that the federation’s administrative operations remain functional while ongoing programmes, competitions and engagements with stakeholders continue without disruption.
The development comes at a crucial time for Nigerian football, with the NFF navigating significant administrative changes alongside a number of domestic and international responsibilities.
Sanusi’s resignation brings his tenure as General Secretary to an end, with Ikpeme now expected to provide interim leadership at the Secretariat until a substantive administrative arrangement is determined.
Further details regarding the transition are expected from the NFF and the National Sports Commission in the coming days.