President Bola 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 weaknesses in the governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability within Nigerian football.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, Tinubu said while other sports have recorded progress since the reset of the sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football has continued to struggle due to structural weaknesses.
The President noted that football remains Nigeria’s most popular sport and the biggest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention.
Tinubu, therefore, directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity in football administration and facilitate a broad, consultative reform process.
The process will also involve appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF, while ensuring that Nigeria’s obligations under the international football framework are protected.
President Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work together to build a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
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Editor.. Ada Ononye
