By Michael Odetunde
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 global tournaments.
In a statement issued by the State House in Abuja on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the President said the reform must address the long-standing challenges affecting governance, administration, stakeholders’ representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability in Nigerian football.
Tinubu noted that while other sports have recorded meaningful progress since the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, NSC football has continued to struggle due to structural weaknesses within the system.
He described football as Nigeria’s most popular sport and the biggest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, stressing that the game must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
The President directed the Chairman of the NSC to work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
According to him, the process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.
Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
