“Nigeria must now build a football system that lives up to its talent”: SSA Adeboye backs President Tinubu’s comprehensive football reform

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, describing it as a timely and necessary intervention to rebuild the sport from the grassroots to the highest level.

Adeboye said the president’s decision reflects a clear understanding that the challenges of Nigerian football are no longer simply about results on the field, but about strengthening the structures, governance, administration and development pathways that produce those results.

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President Tinubu had directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to facilitate a comprehensive and consultative reform process, including appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF.

Reacting to the development, Adeboye said the directive provides an opportunity to address long-standing structural challenges and create a football system capable of matching Nigeria’s enormous talent and passion for the game.

“Mr President has spoken very clearly. Nigeria has the talent, the passion and the resources, but we must build the right system around them. This is the time to examine the entire structure of football, from the grassroots to the national teams, and make the necessary changes that will give Nigerian football a sustainable future.”

The presidential aide said the reform must place strong emphasis on grassroots development, youth pathways, school football, competitions, governance, accountability, player welfare and the development of coaches and administrators.

According to him, Nigeria cannot continue to discover exceptional talents at the grassroots without creating a clear and properly managed pathway through which such talents can progress to professional football and national teams.

“The future of Nigerian football lies in our schools, academies, communities and local government areas. We must create a system where a boy or girl discovered at the grassroots can progress through a clearly defined pathway to the national team.”

Adeboye also spoke warmly of the outgoing NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, following his decision to resign, describing him as a good man, a personal friend and a passionate lover of Nigerian football.

He said Gusau deserves praise for recognizing the concerns and voices of Nigerians and for making a decision that he believes demonstrates his love for the game and his willingness to put the broader interests of Nigerian football first.

“Gusau is a good man and a good friend. He has played his part and I congratulate him for his love for Nigerian football. I also appreciate his decision to listen to the voice of the masses. That takes courage and whatever happens, we must recognize the contributions he has made to the game.”

The SSA stressed that the current moment should not be used to apportion blame but rather to unite stakeholders around the task of rebuilding Nigerian football.

He called on the NFF, clubs, state football associations, former internationals, players, coaches, fans, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to approach the reform process with an open mind and a shared commitment to the future of the game.

Adeboye further welcomed the President’s emphasis on broad consultation and engagement with FIFA and CAF, noting that Nigeria must pursue reforms while maintaining its responsibilities within the framework of international football.

“This is not about an individual or an institution. This is about Nigerian football. We need everyone to come to the table, we need to listen to each other and we need to put the interest of the game first.”

He said the reform process also presents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between grassroots football and the elite system, ensuring that the country’s vast pool of young talent becomes a sustainable source of strength for Nigerian national clubs and teams.

Adeboye reaffirmed his office’s commitment to supporting any genuine initiative that strengthens grassroots football and provides young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their talents.

He expressed optimism that the President’s intervention would usher in a new chapter for Nigerian football, one based on strong institutions, accountability, proper development pathways, better competitions and sustained investment in talent.

“We must not be afraid of reforms. If we truly love Nigerian football, now is the time to fix what needs to be fixed and build what is missing. The goal is simple: create a football system that works for the players, the clubs, the national teams and, ultimately, the Nigerian people.”