Former Nigeria international and football administrator, Dominic Iorfa, is reportedly preparing to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation in the next election.
Iorfa’s reported ambition comes amid controversies surrounding his administration of Barau FC and his relationship with some stakeholders in Nigerian football.
The development followed the reported withdrawal of Barau FC from the 2026 Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament in Katsina, an annual competition organised to help clubs prepare for the new season.
The decision has reportedly generated questions over Iorfa’s relationship with the tournament organisers, the NFF leadership and NFF board member, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan.
Iorfa has also faced allegations of abusive conduct, intimidation, harassment and other forms of misconduct during his career in football administration.
If he eventually declares his intention to contest the NFF presidency, the allegations and his previous administrative record are expected to come under scrutiny.
Questions are also likely to be raised over his previous spells with clubs, including the circumstances surrounding his departure from Remo Stars and Lobi Stars.
There may also be scrutiny of his record as an administrator, including the performance of clubs under his leadership and whether any of them won major domestic honours such as the Nigeria Premier Football League title or the President Federation Cup.
His management of Barau FC has also attracted criticism, particularly over allegations that some members of staff were dismissed and that individuals considered close to him were brought into the club.
The developments have prompted calls on the club’s proprietor, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, to review the situation and take appropriate steps to safeguard the future of the club.
Iorfa’s reported interest in the NFF presidency is also expected to bring his relationship with the current federation leadership, headed by Ibrahim Musa Gusau, into focus as preparations for the next election gather momentum.
However, Iorfa’s position on the allegations and his reported ambition remains unclear.
Efforts to contact him for his reaction to the allegations and issues raised in the report were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
