Members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, describing the initiative as necessary for the long-term development of the game.
The Independent Mirror reports that the Congress members, who met at the Reno Hotel, Katampe, Abuja, expressed their readiness to align with and support reforms that may emerge from the ongoing process.
They also commended President Tinubu for what they described as his strong support and funding for Nigerian football and sports generally.
According to the members, Nigerian football requires an urgent “hard reset” to address challenges relating to governance, transparency, accountability, stakeholder representation, domestic competitions and the overall development of the sport.
They maintained that meaningful reforms are essential to place Nigerian football on a stronger foundation and create a sustainable pathway for success both on and off the pitch.
NFF Congress Delegation Meets Shehu Dikko
Following the Congress meeting, a delegation drawn from the various zones and key football constituencies—including players, coaches, referees, media representatives and other stakeholders met with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the NSC Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Dikko briefed the delegation on the vision and objectives of President Tinubu’s reform agenda for football and the broader sports sector.
The discussions also covered sports infrastructure development, funding, the potential of Nigeria’s sports economy and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) framework.
The Congress delegation subsequently pledged its unconditional alignment and support for the reform process.
Congress Awaits NSC, FIFA and CAF Engagements
The NFF Congress members said they would await the outcome of ongoing engagements involving the NSC, FIFA and CAF before supporting the activation and implementation of the reform programme.
They stated that implementation should follow an agreed roadmap and framework reached by the relevant stakeholders.
The Congress further described football as a major national asset that must align with the broader reform agenda of the Tinubu administration.
It urged all stakeholders to embrace the changes, stressing that personal interests, apprehension or resistance to a new direction should not be allowed to hinder the progress of Nigerian football.
“As a major stakeholder in the NFF, Congress remains ready to play its part in restoring confidence, stability and delivering lasting success for Nigerian football,” the members stated.
The latest development adds another significant voice to the growing calls for structural reforms aimed at repositioning Nigerian football and strengthening its governance and administration
