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FIFA, CAF Move to Halt NFF Elections as Football Crisis Deepens

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The crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken a fresh turn, with world football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) moving to halt the ongoing electoral process and announcing plans for a joint assessment mission to Abuja.

The development follows reports that FIFA, CAF and the National Sports Commission (NSC) delegation had reached an agreement on proposed reforms in Nigerian football.

However, FIFA has clarified that no decision has been reached on the reforms or the next steps to be taken regarding the crisis.

SEE MORE: FIFA Rift Deepens as Mexico Defies CONCACAF to Support Infantino

In an email dated September 7 and addressed to Barrister Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, said FIFA and CAF were still assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the situation within the NFF.

The football governing body said the assessment would require a review of the relevant facts, the applicable NFF regulatory framework and the positions communicated by various stakeholders.

FIFA stressed that “no conclusions” had been reached at the stage and that no determination had been made regarding possible next steps.

As part of the latest intervention, FIFA requested that the ongoing NFF electoral process be suspended, directing that no further steps or decisions be taken in connection with the process until further notice.

According to FIFA, the move is intended to preserve the status quo while it and CAF complete their assessment and engage with relevant stakeholders.

The organisation also clarified that the suspension should not be interpreted as a determination on the validity of any decisions, actions or positions taken by any of the parties involved.

FIFA and CAF are expected to send a joint delegation to Abuja at the earliest possible opportunity to gather information and engage stakeholders involved in the dispute.

The delegation is expected to meet with representatives of the NFF administration, NFF members, electoral bodies and the Federal Government, including the National Sports Commission.

FIFA also requested that Ikpeme, whom it recognises as Deputy General Secretary and not Acting General Secretary, remain the primary point of contact between the NFF, FIFA and CAF until further notice.

The international football bodies said the assessment mission would help them gain a clearer understanding of recent developments within the NFF and identify issues requiring further consideration under the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.

At the conclusion of the assessment, FIFA and CAF said they would determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making bodies.

The governing body, however, warned stakeholders against making assumptions about the outcome, stressing that the assessment remains ongoing and that the eventual action by FIFA and CAF is yet to be determined.

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Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30

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Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second-division match.

Tenerife confirmed the player’s death on Tuesday, November 3, revealing that he died at 8:00 a.m. following complications from injuries sustained during the encounter.

The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match, which was tied at 2-2, when Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel in the middle of the pitch.

SEE ALSO: Spain’s World Cup Joy Turns to Horror as 13-Year-Old Dies in Celebration Disaster

The goalkeeper was sent off following the incident, while the match was subsequently abandoned.

Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was resuscitated. However, Tenerife later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before he eventually died.

In a statement announcing the tragedy, the club expressed profound sadness over the loss of the striker and extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.

“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.

De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellon and had spent just over a season with the Spanish side.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Spanish football, including former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Pique.

“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Pique wrote on social media.

FC Andorra also expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several other Spanish clubs sent messages of sympathy.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation equally expressed its grief, describing the news as deeply saddening and extending its condolences following the striker’s death.

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Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.

The governor said his administration would pay particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access to ensure a memorable experience for participants and visitors.

RELATED NEWS: FIFA, CAF Move to Halt NFF Elections as Football Crisis Deepens

In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access.”

He described Lagos as a city with the energy and capacity to host major international events.

“Lagos is a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” the governor said.

He added, “We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events.”

The meeting comes as preparations continue for the continental football awards, which will bring together prominent figures in African football to celebrate outstanding performances and achievements.

The latest engagement follows the arrival of a 15-member CAF delegation in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the awards and the organisation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.

The delegation, led by Emeruwa, was expected to assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the two events.

The inspection also followed an earlier visit by CAF officials in August, when Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’s readiness to host the awards after a delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu.

The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 7, while Abuja is expected to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21.

The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding performances and achievements in African football, bringing together players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the continent.

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Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname

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After scoring twice and providing an assist as Bursaspor beat Muglaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig on Thursday, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho took to social media to declare himself boss.

The Super Eagles forward who moved to the Turkish league from Celtic to Bursaspor has made history, becoming the first football player to score in 10 consecutive league matches for the club and in the Turkish professional league football.

He took to his social media handles to flaunt his Turkish nickname – “Agabey”.

In a post on his verified handle on X, the Nigerian forward shared a picture of himself in traditional Turkish dress with a new nickname, “Agabey”. The caption read, “We go ball till eternity, Kelechi Agabey.”

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The word is a respectful Turkish title that translates as “Big Brother” or “Boss”.

The 30-year-old has now scored in all 10 games he has played for Bursaspor, and including his appearance for the Super Eagles, he has found the net in 11 straight matches. He has 14 goals and three assists since joining from Celtic.

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