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A commission of inquiry set up to investigate Nigeria’s recent poor performance in international football has alleged that some officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have interfered in player selection and coaching appointments involving the country’s national teams.
The president of the committee, Fanny Amunhe revealed it on Monday in Abuja presenting the findings of the panel report. Amun subsequently resigned from his position after submitting the document.
The committee was established to identify the underlying causes of Nigeria’s disappointing results in recent competitions, particularly in Super Falcons’ early exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The committee raises concerns about the selection process
Amun said the investigation had brought charges against some members of the former Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) the executive committee influenced decisions that would normally be handled by the federation’s technical department.
He said some officials were involved in areas such as player selection, coach recruitment and other football-related decisions.
According to him, the committee also received allegations that agents and intermediaries attempted to influence the selection of players during national team training camps.
However, he said the report did not identify specific individuals because the aim was to address structural challenges within Nigerian football rather than targeting individuals.
“The committee was not set up for a witch hunt. Our aim was to identify problems affecting the system and recommend solutions,” Amun said.
The survey covers governance, finance and development
The committee, inaugurated on August 17 with a deadline of 14 days, completed its report after extensive meetings and consultations.
Amun said the panel looked at several areas, including: football governance, financial management, technical development, grassroots football, league administration, national team operations.
He said the committee also looked into concerns about unequal financial benefits among national team delegations.
According to him, some officials received daily allowances while players and coaches were not treated equally.
Amun questioned the fairness of such arrangements, saying that all those who serve the national team should be considered under a transparent pay structure.
Super Falcons preparation problems identified
The committee also reviewed Nigeria’s preparation for the 2026 WAFCON tournament.
Amun said the commission found deficiencies in the team’s preparation, coordination and management.
He explained that the coach and other referees cited limited friendlies and late arrival at the tournament venue as some of the challenges impacting the performance.
However, the committee believes alternative preparations could have been explored, including matches against local or lower-ranked opponents.
On the defender Ashleigh PlumptreAmun said investigations confirmed that the player was recovering from surgery and was medically unfit to participate in the tournament.
He said medical reports from the Nigerian team and Plumptre club doctors supported the findings.
The committee also said it found no evidence that players influenced national team selections.
Recommendations for Nigerian Football
The commission recommended clearer responsibilities between coaches, technical officials, team secretaries and other members of national team delegations.
It also called for: earlier preparation for national teams, selection of players based on performance and fitness data, better cooperation between technical and medical departments, better use of technology for player registration and age verification.
Regarding football administration, Amun recommended reforms to the NFF statutes to allow for wider stakeholder participation.
He proposed limiting members of congress to a maximum of two terms and creating opportunities for new administrators to contribute to the development of football.
Requires stronger alloy structures
The committee called for better regulation of domestic competitions, including: Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).
Amun said stronger league structures would improve player development, coaching standards, talent identification and funding.
It also recommended clubs establish youth development programmes, particularly at under-15 and under-18 level.
Reform of refereeing and sports administration
The committee called for better training, welfare and international visibility for Nigerian referees, saying poor refereeing had affected confidence in domestic competitions.
Amon also recommended the National Sports Commission (NSC) focus on policy development, regulation and supervision rather than taking on the responsibilities attributed to sports federations.
He praised the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the development of sport and encourage reforms in the sector.
The committee rejects accusations of total failure of the Super Falcons
Despite Nigeria’s failure to retain the WAFCON title, Amun rejected the description of the Super Falcons’ campaign as a complete failure.
He noted that Nigeria remains the most successful nation in the history of the competition, having won the continental title 10 times.
He said the team’s performance should be seen in the broader context of preparation, management and administration challenges.
The committee said its recommendations aim to rebuild Nigerian football and create a stronger system for players, coaches and administrators.
Committee members included former internationals Mutiu Adepojuformer captain of the Super Falcons Desire Oparanozietrainer Ladan Boxwood, Doctor Alex Mana and secretary Nasiru Jibril.
Basic information
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is responsible for managing football activities in Nigeria, including national teams, competitions and development programmes.
Nigeria’s national teams have historically enjoyed success, particularly the Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football.
However, concerns over football administration, coaching stability, funding, player development and governance have continued to generate debate among fans and stakeholders.
