Tinubu orders major reform of Nigerian football over repeated tournament failures

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a comprehensive overhaul of Nigerian football in response to the nation's persistent inability to qualify for major international tournaments. The reform directive, issued by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlights a pressing need to address underlying issues plaguing the country's football administration and development.

Tinubu emphasized that the sport, Nigeria's most popular pastime, has faltered due to systemic weaknesses within the football ecosystem. He called for the creation of robust institutions that can effectively translate the country's football talent, passion, and resources into consistent tournament success.

The President instructed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to collaborate with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and other pertinent stakeholders to oversee ongoing football administration operations while initiating extensive consultations on the forthcoming reforms. Tinubu also directed that FIFA and CAF be engaged throughout the reform process, alongside safeguarding Nigeria's compliance with international football regulations.

The reform process is expected to tackle governance, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions, and accountability within Nigerian football. The President appealed for the support of football stakeholders and Nigerians as efforts accelerate to rectify the numerous challenges confronting the country's football system.