President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, following a series of disappointing results and repeated failures by the country’s national teams to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
The directive comes amid a major shake-up at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the executive committee resigning on Thursday.
Tinubu said the reform would tackle what he described as structural weaknesses within Nigerian football. The programme is expected to focus on improving governance, administration, stakeholder representation, player-development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football.”
The President has directed National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko to work with the NFF Secretariat and other football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
The process will also involve appropriate engagement with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF), while ensuring Nigeria continues to meet its obligations under the international football framework. Tinubu stressed that Nigeria possesses exceptional football talent, passion and resources, but these must be supported by stronger institutions capable of delivering sustained success.
The reform represents a significant attempt to reset Nigerian football after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also missed the 2027 Women’s World Cup, ending their record of appearing at every edition since the tournament began in 1991.
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