President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.
The President said the reform was necessary to address the structural challenges affecting the administration, development and performance of football in the country.
Tinubu, in a statement, said football remained an important part of Nigeria’s national life and had the capacity to unite citizens across different backgrounds.
“Football occupies a special place in our national life. It brings Nigerians together across generations and communities, and our country has never lacked talent, passion or support for the game,” he said.
He, however, expressed concern that the country’s performance had consistently fallen below expectations.
“Yet, our results have too often fallen short of what Nigeria should expect,” the President said.
According to Tinubu, the government’s response must go beyond temporary measures and address the underlying weaknesses in the football system.
“The problems are structural, and our response must address them,” he said.
He said the reform would focus on strengthening governance and administration, improving stakeholder representation and accountability, rebuilding development pathways and strengthening domestic competitions.
“Our exceptional football talent must be supported by institutions capable of turning that talent into sustained success,” Tinubu said.
The President said the move was also part of the broader reform of Nigeria’s sports sector following the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission and the adoption of the RHINSE philosophy.
“Since we reset the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission and the RHINSE philosophy, we have seen meaningful progress across other sports,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that football must also experience similar progress, given its popularity and the level of public support and investment it receives.
“Football, our most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, must also make similar progress,” he said.
The President therefore directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
He said the reform process would involve appropriate engagement with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“This process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF, while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework,” Tinubu said.
He called on football administrators, players, supporters and other stakeholders to support the transition and contribute to building a more effective football system.
“I ask all football stakeholders and Nigerians to support this transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system worthy of our talent, our passion and our country,” he said.