Pressure is mounting on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as football administrators and coaches across Europe, Africa and Asia continue to resign after disappointing campaigns.
In Italy, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina stepped down after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. National team delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and head coach Gennaro Gattuso also resigned following the disappointing campaign.
Libya’s Football Federation President, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, also left office after the country’s unsuccessful qualification bid, saying he did not want to remain associated with the failure.
Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation President, Yasser Al-Misehal, accepted responsibility after the Green Falcons exited the tournament in the group stage, apologising to supporters before announcing his resignation.
Several national team coaches have also paid the price for poor performances. Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi before appointing Hervé Renard, while Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman resigned after his side’s surprise knockout defeat to Morocco.
Scotland’s Steve Clarke also stepped down following his team’s group-stage exit, while South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo resigned less than 24 hours after the country’s elimination. Germany later joined the list after Julian Nagelsmann left his position following the team’s shock defeat to Paraguay.
With more football giants still competing in the tournament, observers believe additional resignations could follow if expectations are not met.
In contrast, no senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation has resigned despite the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the World Cup, a situation that has sparked fresh debate over accountability and leadership in Nigerian football.
