NFF Congress backs federal government’s drive to reform Nigerian football

NFF Congress backs Tinubu’s football reform agenda, calls for ‘hard reset’

Members of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Congress have supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, describing the move as necessary to restore confidence and reposition the game for sustainable growth.

Members of Congress, who gathered at the Reno Hotel, Katampe, Abuja, on Friday, August 28, 2026, unanimously welcomed and praised the President’s directive, pledging their support and alignment with reforms that may emerge from the ongoing process.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the members expressed their gratitude to President Tinubu for what they described as his strong commitment, support and funding for Nigerian football and sports in general.

Congress recognized that Nigerian football requires urgent reform and a “hard reset”, particularly in the areas of governance, transparency, accountability, stakeholder representation, national competitions and overall football development.

According to members, the reforms are essential to put Nigerian football on a stronger footing and ensure sustainable success both on and off the field.

After their meeting, a delegation drawn from the various areas and key sectors of football, including players, coaches, referees, media and other stakeholders, headed to the headquarters of the National Sports Commission (NSC) where they met its chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.

During the meeting, Dikko briefed the delegation on the vision and objectives of President Tinubu’s reform agenda for football and sports.

The discussions also covered sports infrastructure development, financing, the potential of Nigeria’s sports economy and the framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

The congressional delegation later pledged its “unconditional alignment and support” for the reform process.

Members said they would await the outcome of ongoing engagements between the NSC, FIFA and CAF before supporting the activation and implementation of the reforms in line with the roadmap and framework agreed by relevant stakeholders.

Congress further described football as a “primary national asset” that must align with the President’s broader reform agenda for the country.

He urged all stakeholders to accept the proposed changes, stressing that personal interests and fears over the consequences of the reform must not be allowed to stand in the way of the progress of Nigerian football.

“As a major player in the NFF, Congress remains ready to play its role in restoring confidence, stability and achieving lasting success for Nigerian football,” the statement added.

The latest development comes amid growing calls for significant changes to the administration and structure of Nigerian football, with stakeholders expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the reform process.