Tinubu Directs Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Football
By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Sports Commission (NSC) to commence a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
The President said the reform must address longstanding challenges in the governance and administration of Nigerian football, as well as stakeholder representation, player development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across the sector.
Tinubu noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress following the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, Nigerian football had continued to struggle due to what he described as structural weaknesses within the system.
According to the President, football, being Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, must begin to match the country’s abundant talent, passion and resources 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.
He also directed that the process should include appropriate engagement with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while ensuring that Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework are safeguarded.
The President called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a stronger, more transparent, accountable and successful football system.
