NSC awaits FIFA’s decision on NFF reform

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is eagerly awaiting FIFA's decision on the future governing structure of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following a consultation with various stakeholders. The decision will determine whether a normalisation committee or the existing NFF congress will lead the process of stabilising Nigerian football.

The consultations took place in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday, involving FIFA officials and CAF's Legal Manager, Nnaemeka Olu. FIFA and CAF will now evaluate the feedback gathered from Nigerian football stakeholders before deciding on the appropriate next steps. The NSC expressed its commitment to continuous open, international, and deliberate dialogue with FIFA, CAF, NFF members, and all relevant stakeholders.

However, stakeholders have differing opinions on the mechanism for implementing reforms. Some, including the players' union, coaches, and referees' association, argue for a normalisation process with equal representation on the NFF congress, board, standing committees, and voting structure. In contrast, the State Football Association chairmen believe the existing NFF Congress should lead the process since Nigerian football's leagues are in progress and the NFF Secretariat is functioning.

Former NFF presidents and general secretaries have also called for an immediate installation of a six-month normalisation committee, proposing a structured transition beginning with stakeholder consultations and culminating in national NFF elections.