President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments, describing the country’s football results as falling short of what Nigerians should expect.
In a statement titled Protecting Football, Restoring National Pride, the President said football occupies a special place in national life, bringing Nigerians together across generations and communities, even as the country has never lacked talent, passion or support for the game. He said the problems plaguing the sport are structural and require a response that addresses governance, stakeholder representation, accountability and the rebuilding of development pathways.
Tinubu noted that since the sports sector was reset under the re-established National Sports Commission and its RHINSE philosophy, other sports have recorded meaningful progress, and football, as the country’s most popular sport and biggest beneficiary of public support and investment, must now follow suit.
He has directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process, including appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF to safeguard Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.
The President called on all football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable football system worthy of the country’s talent and passion.
By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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