Tinubu orders comprehensive reform of Nigeria's football system

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria's football system, aiming to rectify the nation's persistent struggles to qualify for major regional, continental, and global tournaments. The directive signals a significant effort to address the structural deficits that have plagued Nigerian football for years.

According to a statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu instructed the National Sports Commission to collaborate with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen football governance, administration, development pathways, domestic competitions, and accountability mechanisms. The President believes that Nigeria's abundant football talent, passion, and resources should be complemented by robust institutions and consistent on-field success.

"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 stated, underscoring the need for systemic change. The reform process will also involve engagement with international football bodies, including FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to ensure compliance with international frameworks while pursuing national objectives.

The President urged all football stakeholders and Nigerians to support this transition, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in building a stronger, more accountable, and successful football system. He specifically directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work closely with the NFF Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration during the reform period and to facilitate a broad, consultative process.

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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.