Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on August 27, 2026.
Tinubu said the reform would address longstanding weaknesses in football governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” he said.
The President noted that while other sports had recorded progress since the restructuring of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football had continued to struggle because of structural weaknesses.
“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 said Nigerian football must match the country’s talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to maintain essential football administration while beginning a broad and consultative reform process.
The process will also involve engagement with FIFA and CAF while ensuring that Nigeria remains compliant with its international football obligations.
The President called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
