President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s football system following the country’s repeated failure to qualify for major regional, continental and global competitions.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu directed the National Sports Commission, NSC, to work with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and other stakeholders to review and strengthen football governance, administration, player development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability within the sport.
According to the President, the reforms are necessary to ensure that Nigeria’s considerable football talent, widespread passion for the game and significant investment in the sport translate into sustained 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,” he said.
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The President also directed the relevant authorities to engage with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, during the reform process while ensuring that Nigeria continues to meet its obligations under the international football framework.
Tinubu urged football administrators, stakeholders and Nigerians to support the reform effort and work towards building a football system that is more effective, transparent and accountable.
He specifically directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to collaborate with the NFF Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders to maintain continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative review of the system.
The directive comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s struggles on the international stage, with the government seeking to address what it considers longstanding structural weaknesses affecting the administration and development of football.
The President said the reform should ultimately create a stronger system capable of developing Nigeria’s football talent and delivering more consistent results in regional, continental and global competitions.