A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), AbdulHakeem Uthman Mustapha, has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to head the proposed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Normalisation Committee.

According to a report by OwnGoal Nigeria, the move follows the dissolution of the NFF board after a wave of resignations led by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau. The development has paved the way for the establishment of a normalisation committee expected to oversee the administration of Nigerian football for an initial three-month period.

Mustapha is reportedly the preferred choice of a majority of influential figures within the Presidency. His extensive experience in football administration and legal matters is believed to be a major factor behind his consideration.

According to information cited from Sports Village Square, Mustapha currently serves as a member of FIFA’s Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, giving him direct experience with FIFA and international football governance.

He has also previously served as President of the CAF Appeal Committee, a role that placed him at the centre of African football’s legal and judicial processes.

His background in international football administration could be particularly valuable as Nigeria seeks to establish a normalisation process that will be acceptable to both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Mustapha was reportedly favoured ahead of another experienced football administrator from Nigeria’s South-South region. That candidate was said to have received the backing of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, but reportedly did not enjoy the same level of support among officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Meanwhile, senior officials of the NSC are reportedly engaged in discussions with FIFA as they work towards completing the formal procedures required for the establishment of the normalisation committee.

The proposed committee is expected to provide temporary leadership for Nigerian football while addressing the administrative crisis within the NFF and preparing the ground for a new direction for the country’s football administration.

If confirmed, the development would mark a significant change in the leadership structure of Nigerian football following the recent upheaval within the NFF.