Tinubu Orders Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Football, Targets Governance, Development and Accountability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, aimed at addressing the structural challenges responsible for the country’s repeated failure to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.

The President said the reform must tackle longstanding weaknesses in football governance, administration, stakeholder representation, talent development, domestic competitions and accountability.

Tinubu noted that while other sports have recorded significant progress following the ongoing reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, Nigerian football continues to face serious structural deficits.

According to him, football remains Nigeria’s most popular sport and the biggest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, making the need for institutional reform urgent, Presstv News Nigeria can report.

He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant football talent, passion and resources must be matched with stronger institutions, effective administration and sustained performance.

To drive the process, President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.

The President also directed that the reform process should involve appropriate engagement with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while ensuring Nigeria remains compliant with its international football obligations.

Tinubu called on football administrators, stakeholders, players, supporters and Nigerians at large to support the transition and collectively work towards building a stronger, more transparent, accountable and successful football system.