Bola Tinubu orders sweeping reform of Nigerian football after repeated failures

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Thursday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, said the overhaul must address deep-rooted structural problems that have hindered the development and performance of Nigerian football.

“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football.”

The directive comes amid growing concerns over the state of the sport in Nigeria, with the country’s considerable footballing talent failing to consistently translate into success on the international stage.

Tinubu blames structural weaknesses

According to the president, football has lagged behind other sports despite receiving significant public support, investment and national attention.

“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 other sporting disciplines had made meaningful progress following the reset of Nigeria’s sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission (NSC).

Tinubu stressed that the country could no longer afford to allow weaknesses within its football system to undermine the potential of its players and teams.

He called for Nigeria’s institutions to match the country’s exceptional football talent, passion and resources with stronger governance, effective development structures and sustained performances.

NSC, NFF tasked with leading process

The president directed the Chairman of the NSC to work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders to maintain continuity in essential football administration while initiating a broad and consultative reform process.

The proposed exercise is expected to examine key areas of Nigerian football, including governance, administration, stakeholder representation, youth development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.

Tinubu also directed that the process should involve appropriate engagement with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while ensuring Nigeria continues to meet its obligations under the international football framework.

The move signals a major attempt by the federal government to address the institutional issues it believes have contributed to Nigeria’s inconsistent football fortunes.

Stakeholders urged to back overhaul

Tinubu appealed to football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and contribute to efforts aimed at building a stronger system.

The president’s intervention follows a period in which Nigeria’s football ambitions have repeatedly been frustrated by failures on the qualification front, despite the country’s deep pool of talent and longstanding prominence on the African football landscape.

The reform, therefore, is intended not merely to address immediate setbacks but to establish a more accountable and sustainable structure capable of delivering consistent success across domestic and international competitions.:::