NLO presidents ask for representation at the NFF congress

Post views: 43

By Silvernews

Presidents of Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs have formally appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to include direct club representation in its Congress as part of the ongoing statute amendment process.

In a letter dated March 24, 2026 and addressed to the Chairman of the Nigerian Football Federation Statute Amendment Committee, the group, under the banner of NLO Progressive Club Presidents, argued that the current Congress structure does not adequately reflect the interests of grassroots football stakeholders.

The letter, signed by Prince Nwaeze Chidiebere and passed through the NFF general secretary, called for the allocation of six permanent seats in Congress to representatives of NLO clubs, one for each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

According to the group, it is inconsistent that bodies such as the National Association for Physical and Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance are represented in the Congress, while over 600 clubs operating in the NLO, described as the backbone of grassroots football in Nigeria, lack direct representation.

They argue that NLO clubs are the largest employers of young football talent and among the biggest investors in local football development, but their voices are limited to representation through a single league body.

To address this imbalance, the presidents proposed a statutory change that would ensure inclusiveness and broader participation in decision-making.

They also recommended that candidates for the proposed seats have a minimum of 10 years of experience in football administration to ensure quality contributions.

The group highlighted that the reform would align the NFF with global governance standards upheld by international football bodies and increase stakeholder confidence in the administration of the game.

They expressed optimism that the committee will positively consider their request, stressing that meaningful inclusion of grassroots investors is vital to the sustainable growth of Nigerian football.