By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football to halt repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
The directive was contained in a State House statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the reform must address longstanding weaknesses in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across the sport.
He noted that while other sports had recorded progress since the reset of the sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football continued to struggle.
“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,” the President said.
He stressed that the country’s talent, passion and resources must now be matched with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
To drive the process, Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders.
The mandate includes ensuring continuity in essential football administration and facilitating a broad consultative reform.
The President further stated that the process will include engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.
He called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
