The International Judo Federation (IJF) has withdrawn recognition of the current leadership of the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) while backing the National Sports Commission’s efforts to review the federation’s constitution and conduct fresh elections.

The development marks a significant turn in the prolonged governance crisis within Nigerian judo, with the international body expressing support for a transparent, fair and inclusive electoral process to restore administrative stability.

In a letter dated October 10, 2026, and addressed to NJF President Musa Oshodi, IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan said the international governing body could no longer recognise the federation’s current leadership in light of the position communicated by the National Sports Commission (NSC).  

The letter referred to an NSC communication dated September 25, 2026, concerning the administrative status of the Nigeria Judo Federation.

The IJF’s position followed the NSC’s intervention, which included dissolving the federation’s board and establishing a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs pending the conclusion of reforms and the election of a new board.  

In a separate letter dated October 9, 2026, addressed to NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the IJF welcomed the Commission’s efforts to resolve the crisis and confirmed its support for a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

“We welcome the steps being taken to address the governance matters within the NJF and support the efforts to ensure a transparent, fair and inclusive electoral process,” the IJF stated.  

The international body also acknowledged plans to review the NJF Constitution, convene a General Assembly to consider proposed amendments and organise fresh elections.

According to the NSC, the caretaker committee is expected to manage the federation’s day-to-day activities while ensuring that its constitution aligns with the requirements of the IJF and other applicable regulations.

The committee is also mandated to convene an Annual General Meeting to consider and approve the proposed amendments before organising elections and overseeing a smooth transition to a duly elected board.  

Sheriff Hammed chairs the caretaker committee, with Ekuta Catherine Ewa, Sule Musa, Bashir Musa Bassey and Oladipupo Idowu serving as members. Amayo Ngozi is the committee’s secretary.  

The IJF noted that members of the committee had undertaken not to contest in the forthcoming elections, a commitment that could help strengthen confidence in the neutrality of the transition process.

The latest intervention comes amid longstanding concerns about governance and electoral procedures within the federation. In June, the IJF raised questions about whether the previous electoral process met its transparency and procedural requirements and urged the NJF to consider fresh elections open to all eligible candidates.  

However, the leadership dispute remains contested. A report published by Leadership indicated that the NJF had rejected claims that its board was dissolved by the IJF or NSC, maintaining that it was proceeding with constitutional amendments and preparations for fresh elections in line with communications it said it had received from the international body.  

The competing positions reflect the need for clear communication among the international federation, the NSC and Nigerian judo stakeholders as the transition process advances.

The IJF’s latest letters nevertheless establish its support for efforts to resolve the governance questions and create a pathway towards a new electoral process. The full implications of the withdrawal of recognition for the current leadership’s official representation and participation in IJF activities were not detailed in the quoted correspondence.

For the NSC, the immediate task is to ensure that the caretaker committee fulfils its mandate impartially, consults relevant stakeholders and delivers a credible constitutional review and electoral process.

The outcome will be important for the future administration of judo in Nigeria, particularly efforts to rebuild confidence in the federation’s leadership and provide a stable foundation for athlete development and international participation.