TIME TO REFORM FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopelessly inept, much like how the men's national team, the Super Eagles, have failed to make the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil next year. The Nigerian women's team, the Super Falcons, were recently thrashed 2-1 by South Africa's Banyana Banyana during the WAFCON 2026 playoff in Casablanca, Morocco.

This marks the first time since the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991 that Nigeria won't be present on that grand stage. Furthermore, the NFF has been ousted from the upcoming Inter-Confederation playoffs in November, meaning Nigeria will not be part of the 10-team competition that will determine the final three teams for the World Cup.

The NFF's incompetence has led to the country's top footballing teams missing the World Cup simultaneously for the first time in history. The 'Dream Team' (under-23) failed to qualify for the recent Olympics, and the 'Golden Eaglets' (under-17) missed out on the recent World Cup. The NFF's failure to deliver results has led to a call for the leadership to step down.

It is time for the federal government to step in and hold the NFF accountable, as football is a unifying force in Nigeria that brings joy and economic benefits. The state federations, under the state governments, should have a say in the selection of FA chairmen, with governors ensuring only competent individuals are put in these roles.

The upcoming elective congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State needs to be postponed until a search for capable individuals to revitalize football administration in Nigeria is conducted.