Via an official statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a directive for the “comprehensive reform” of Nigerian football following “repeated failures to qualify for major world tournaments”.
The President said, the “problems are structural”, and assured, the “response” from his government must get them addressed.
In the statement titled ‘Protecting football, restoring national pride‘ on Thursday 27 August, 2026, the President said, football holds a “special place” in our national life, pulling Nigerians together; he acknowledged, the country has never ran out of “talent and passion” for the game.
The Statement signed by the President reads: “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.
“Yet, our results have too often fallen short of what Nigeria should expect.
“I have therefore directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following our repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.
“The problems are structural, and our response must address them.”
The President explained, the reforms will help “rebuild developmental pathways”, as well as, “strengthen” the country’s domestic competitions.
He described football as Nigeria’s “most popular sport”, and said, it must make “meaningful progress”.
The Statement reads: “The reform will strengthen governance and administration, improve stakeholder representation and accountability, rebuild development pathways and strengthen our domestic competitions.
“Our exceptional football talent must be supported by institutions capable of turning that talent into sustained Success.
“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.
“Football, our most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, must also make similar progress.”
The President made known, his directive to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission will bring about a collaboration with the NFF Secretariat to ensure critical football administration is unhindered, while, promoting a “broad and consultative” reform process.
He said, the process will help the NSC and NFF engage “appropriately” with FIFA and CAF, while, “safeguarding” the country’s obligations in the football world.
Tinubu called on every football stakeholder, as well as, Nigerians to support this “transition”, and, collaborate to build a “stronger” football system.
The Statement further reads: “I have therefore 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 while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
“This process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF, while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.
“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.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
