President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football to address repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.
In a State House statement on Wednesday signed by Bayo Onanuga, the President said the reform must tackle longstanding weaknesses in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said.
He noted that while other sports have made progress since the reset of the sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football has lagged behind.
“Nigerian football must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance,” the President added.
Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration.
The President also mandated a broad, consultative reform process that will include engagement with FIFA and CAF, while ensuring Nigeria meets its obligations within the international football framework.
He called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition.
“I urge all stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system,” Tinubu said.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last two Africa Cup of Nations and have struggled in World Cup qualifying campaigns in recent years, prompting growing criticism of the NFF’s management.
The reform directive comes as the government pushes to professionalize sports administration under the NSC.