Tinubu orders comprehensive reform of Nigerian football

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures by national teams to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.

The ​‌‌‍​‍⁠⁠‌‍​​‌‌⁠​​‌​President said the reform must address longstanding weaknesses in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.

“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said.

He said the reform must match Nigeria’s exceptional football talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.

“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” he said.

Tinubu noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress following the reset of the sector under the re-established National Sports Commission (NSC), football continued to face structural challenges.

The President directed the NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration.

He also directed the commission to facilitate a broad and consultative reform process involving key stakeholders.

The process, according to the President, should include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework.

Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, accountable and successful football system.

It was reported that NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and other board members had resigned from office on Thursday.

The development followed growing concerns over the management of Nigerian football and the recent poor performance of the national teams.

The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons recently suffered the historic setback of missing the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The latest failures have intensified calls for structural reforms to restore Nigeria’s football fortunes and ensure better administration and development of the sport.