NFF Reforms: A New Congress for a New Era

Nigeria’s football reform effort should begin with the body that controls the federation’s most important decisions: the NFF Congress. That is the central argument of a proposal for a new Congress that would reduce political control and give greater weight to football expertise.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered “comprehensive reforms” for Nigerian football. The directive comes after years of poor performances, crises, litigation and distrust involving the Nigeria Football Federation. The National Sports Commission has also received FIFA’s approval to establish an Interim Management Committee following the resignation of the Gusau-led board.

The Congress elects the NFF president, amends its statutes and approves budgets. In practical terms, control of the Congress means control of Nigerian football. The article argues that reforming its composition is therefore urgent, rather than optional.

Under the proposal, the 37 federation chairmen would be reduced to six representatives, one from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The aim is to preserve the federations’ voice while ending what the article describes as an oversized electoral bloc. Coaches would receive six seats, also divided by zone, because they identify talent, develop players and implement football philosophy.

Referees would receive another six seats. The proposal says they are abused, underpaid and ignored, and that representation could support professionalism and protect the game’s integrity. Sports writers would receive 12 seats, two from each zone, because the media reflects the federation’s successes and failures.

Players would form the largest single constituency, with 12 representatives, two from each zone. The proposal says players face the greatest risks, including injuries, unpaid wages and broken careers. It also calls for the relevant associations and constituencies to hold elections at least 60 days before Congress chooses its representatives, allowing time for transparency and participation.