Eagles legend Odegbami knocks NFF electoral process

Segun Odegbami, a former captain of the Nigerian national football team, has called for a temporary suspension of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elections. In a statement, Odegbami argued that the NFF's electoral process has failed to capitalize on the immense talent and potential present in Nigerian football. The call for a suspension came ahead of the 2026 Executive Committee elections, which are scheduled to take place on September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The original date of September 26 was postponed to accommodate the Super Eagles' 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar. Odegbami pointed out that football administration problems have persisted for decades, gradually becoming entrenched in the system. He further elaborated that the growth of Nigerian football has been hampered by faulty decisions made since the early 1990s, which have since evolved into an established system, making it difficult to reform.

Odegbami also criticized the traditional manner in which NFF elections have been conducted, describing them as a recurring source of controversy. He highlighted how these shortcomings have prevented Nigerian football from becoming the economic engine and youth-development powerhouse it could be, denying young people opportunities and holding back the country's economic potential.