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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures to qualify for major tournaments.
Tinubu disclosed this on Thursday in a press release issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga.
He said the reform must address long-standing weaknesses in the governance, administration and development of football in Nigeria.
“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.
The President said football has continued to struggle despite Nigeria’s talent, resources and strong public support.
“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 added that Nigerian football must build stronger institutions and achieve results that match the country’s talent and passion for the sport.
Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and other stakeholders on the reform process.
The President said the process must be broad and consultative, while ensuring continuity in essential football administration.
He also directed that the reform process should involve engagement with FIFA and CAF while protecting Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework.
Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the process and help build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
