President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive Football reform to address Nigeria’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following repeated failures by the country’s national teams to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
The directive, announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026, comes amid mounting concerns over the administration, development and performance of Nigerian football. It also follows the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the reform would address longstanding weaknesses in the governance and administration of the sport.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress following the restructuring of the sports sector and the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC), football had continued to struggle because of structural weaknesses within the system.
“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,” he said.
The President stressed that Nigeria’s abundant football talent, passion and resources must be matched with stronger institutions, effective administration and sustained performance.
As part of the reform process, Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration.
He also directed the NSC to facilitate a broad and consultative reform process involving key stakeholders across the football ecosystem.
The process, according to the President, should include appropriate engagement with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while ensuring that Nigeria continues to meet its obligations under the international football framework.
The latest directive follows a difficult period for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also suffered the historic setback of missing the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, ending their record of appearing at every edition of the women’s tournament since its inception.
The setbacks intensified criticism of the NFF’s administration and prompted calls for fundamental changes to the way football is governed and developed in Nigeria.
Gusau announced his resignation on Thursday, alongside other members of the NFF leadership, saying the decision was intended to provide an opportunity for others to contribute to the development of Nigerian football.
The NFF leadership crisis has also raised questions about the federation’s planned elective congress scheduled for September 27, 2026, making continuity in football administration a key concern during the transition.
Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
The proposed reforms are expected to cover governance, stakeholder representation, grassroots and player development pathways, domestic competitions, administration and accountability — areas regarded as critical to restoring Nigeria’s competitiveness on the international football stage.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.