Tinubu orders major reform of Nigerian football over repeated tournament failures

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

‎

‎The directive was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

‎

‎Tinubu said the reform would address long-standing issues affecting the administration and development of football, including governance, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.

‎

‎“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.

‎

‎The president said Nigerian football must have stronger institutions capable of matching the country’s talent, passion and resources with sustained performance.

‎

‎He directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to maintain essential football administration while beginning a broad consultation on the proposed reforms.

‎

‎Tinubu also directed that FIFA and CAF be appropriately engaged during the process while ensuring that Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework are protected.

‎

‎The president called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the reform process as efforts intensify to address the problems affecting the country’s football system.

‎