President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football aimed at overcoming repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.
In a State House statement released on August 27, 2026, the President said the reform must address longstanding weaknesses in governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across the football system.
Tinubu noted that while other sports have recorded meaningful progress under the re-established National Sports Commission, football has continued to struggle due to structural deficits.
“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 stated.
He emphasised that Nigerian football must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.
President Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration and to facilitate a broad, consultative reform process.
The process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.
The President called on football stakeholders and all Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
The directive comes shortly after the mass resignation of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and the entire executive board amid public criticism of the federation’s performance.
