President Tinubu Issues Directives on Comprehensive Football Reform
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a far‑reaching restructuring of Nigerian football following the nation’s repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global competitions. The directive marks the most significant intervention in the sport’s governance in over a decade.
Tinubu said the reform must “respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football.” He noted that while other sports have progressed under the re‑established National Sports Commission, football has remained stagnant due to deep structural weaknesses.
According to the President, football — Nigeria’s most popular sport and largest recipient of public investment — has “continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system.” He stressed that the game must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent and passion with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
To drive the transition, Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in football administration while coordinating a broad, consultative reform process. This will include engagement with FIFA and CAF to safeguard Nigeria’s obligations within the global football framework.
The President urged football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a more accountable and successful football system.
The directive was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on August 27, 2026.
Ikpeme to Oversee NFF Secretariat as Interim General Secretary
Following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the Executive Committee, the National Sports Commission has appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme — formerly Deputy General Secretary — to oversee the NFF Secretariat in an interim capacity.
Dr Ademola Olajire, previously Director of Media and Communications, will serve as interim Deputy General Secretary.
All processes related to the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27 have been suspended. A fresh electoral process will begin only after the completion of the comprehensive reforms, to be undertaken in consultation with FIFA and CAF.
League Chairmen Directed to Hand Over Administration
In additional measures aimed at stabilizing football administration during the transition, the Chairmen, appointed Directors and CEOs of the NPFL, NNL, Nigeria Women Football League and Nationwide League One have been instructed to hand over league administration to their respective Chief Operating Officers.
Where a COO is not an NFF staff member, the Acting General Secretary will deploy a new COO from within the Federation.
These interim steps are designed to ensure continuity while engagements with FIFA, CAF, government and stakeholders continue toward a new roadmap for Nigerian football.
Further directives will be issued as the reform process advances.
