President directs NSC, NFF and stakeholders to overhaul governance, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability in Nigerian football.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and international tournaments.
President Tinubu said the reform was necessary to address longstanding weaknesses in football governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
The President noted that while other sports had recorded progress following the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, Nigerian football continued to struggle due to structural deficiencies.
He described football as Nigeria’s most popular sport and the biggest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, stressing that the country’s talent and resources must be matched with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
The President also directed that appropriate consultations be held with FIFA and CAF while ensuring that Nigeria remains compliant with international football regulations.
Tinubu urged football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the reform process and work collectively towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.