“We must unite”: Iloenyosi says FIFA is dismayed by divisions between Nigerian players’ unions

Former Super Eagles defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has called for an end to divisions among Nigerian players’ unions, revealing that the existence of different factions became a major talking point during recent discussions with FIFA over reforms in Nigerian football.

Iloenyosi was part of the delegation of professional players who met with FIFA and CAF officials during their assessment mission in Abuja, along with former Nigerian international Tijani Babangida and players’ union figure Harrison Jalla.

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According to Iloenyosi, the different groups claiming to represent Nigerian footballers surprised the visiting delegation and reinforced the need for former and current players to build a united platform.

“We must unite as players. We cannot continue to have different factions when we are supposed to speak with one voice,” Iloenyosi said.

He revealed that the FIFA representatives encouraged different interests within the players group to resolve their differences and work collectively if they are to contribute effectively to the development and reform of Nigerian football.

The issue is not new. Nigerian players’ organizations have made several attempts at reconciliation over the years, but disagreements over representation have persisted. Nigeria also remains outside the full-fledged union structure of FIFPRO Africa.

However, there have been signs of movement during recent reform discussions.

Following the FIFA/CAF meetings, representatives of players, coaches and referees were reported to have agreed on a common reform position calling for broader representation and voting rights within the NFF Congress, board of directors and standing committees.

For Iloenyosi, achieving these goals requires the footballers themselves to first resolve their internal divisions.

“Unity is very important,” he stressed. “If we are united, we can better contribute to the development of Nigerian football.”

Their message is that Nigerian players cannot demand a stronger voice at football’s decision-making table while speaking through their own competing voices.