RismadarVoice Reporters
August 27, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failure to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.
The President said the reform was necessary to address longstanding structural weaknesses affecting the governance and development of football in the country.
Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday, said the reform would focus on football governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
According to him, football remains Nigeria’s most popular sport and the biggest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, but has continued to struggle because of structural deficits within the system.
The President noted that other sports had recorded meaningful progress since the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, stressing that Nigerian football must also achieve sustainable progress.
He said the country must match its exceptional football talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
He further directed that the reform process should include appropriate engagement with the Federation Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework.
The President called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and collaborate towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
