The Nigeria Football Federation has pushed back against claims that FIFA is preparing to punish the country following a wave of resignations among its top officials, calling the reports inaccurate and describing a supposed FIFA letter circulating online as entirely fabricated.

Last week, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi stepped down from their roles, prompting Emmanuel Ikpeme to take over as acting general secretary while reform efforts continue.

The wave of departures sparked speculation that Nigeria might face disciplinary action from world football’s governing body for breaching its regulations.

To address the situation, a delegation of Nigerian officials travelled to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The group was led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and also featured NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, Ikpeme, and former NFF boss Amaju Pinnick.

Responding to the rumours in a Tuesday statement on X, the NFF flatly rejected the notion that FIFA had issued any punitive correspondence, labelling it completely false.

The federation further revealed that talks are continuing with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football regarding a broader restructuring of the country’s football administration.

It noted that FIFA had formally accepted the exits of the former executive committee members, and that discussions were underway to map out next steps in line with existing regulations.

Elections for new NFF leadership, originally scheduled for later this month, have now been put on hold until the reform process reaches completion. No new date has been announced for when the polls might eventually take place.