President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, following repeated failures by the country to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
The President said the reform must address longstanding structural weaknesses within the country’s football system and strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
Tinubu’s directive comes at a critical moment for Nigerian football, following a series of disappointing performances and qualification setbacks involving the country’s national teams.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” the President said.
According to the President, football remains Nigeria’s most popular sport and has historically received significant public support, investment and national attention. He, however, noted that the sport has continued to struggle because of weaknesses within its administrative and structural framework.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President said the country’s football system must be repositioned to reflect Nigeria’s abundant footballing talent, widespread passion for the sport and the resources committed to its development.
He stressed the need for stronger institutions and sustained performance capable of translating Nigeria’s potential into consistent success on the regional, continental and international stages.
As part of the reform process, Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders.
The President said the collaboration should ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative process for reforming the game.
The directive is expected to involve consultations across the various segments of Nigerian football, including administrators, stakeholders and other relevant interests, as the government seeks to develop a more effective and accountable system.
Tinubu also directed that the reform process should include appropriate engagement with the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He stressed the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework as the country undertakes the reform.
The President’s directive signals a renewed attempt by the Federal Government to address the structural challenges that have continued to affect Nigerian football despite the country’s wealth of playing talent.
Nigeria has historically produced some of Africa’s most successful footballers and has enjoyed major achievements at both continental and global levels. However, inconsistent administration, concerns over development structures and disappointing performances have continued to generate calls for fundamental changes.
The Federal Government’s latest intervention therefore places governance and institutional reform at the centre of efforts to restore the fortunes of Nigerian football.
Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a football system that is stronger, more transparent, accountable and capable of delivering sustained success.
The directive also comes against the backdrop of the recent leadership crisis within the NFF, making the timing of the proposed reforms particularly significant for the future administration of football in the country.
The President’s position is that Nigeria’s exceptional football talent, passion and resources must be matched by institutions capable of converting those advantages into consistent sporting achievements.
The reform process, according to the Presidency, will seek to lay the foundation for a more effective football administration while maintaining Nigeria’s relationship with the international football community.
The statement was issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
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