Tinubu Directs Comprehensive Reform of Nigerian Football
President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated struggles to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments.
The President said the reform is necessary to address longstanding weaknesses in the administration and development of the sport, including governance, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
“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 noted that other sports have recorded meaningful progress since the reset of Nigeria’s sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission (NSC), while football has continued to face challenges linked to structural weaknesses within its system.
He stressed the need for Nigerian football to match the country’s wealth of talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performances.
As part of the directive, Tinubu asked the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.
The proposed reform will cover key areas of the football system, including governance and administration, stakeholder participation, player development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.
The process will also involve appropriate engagement with FIFA, football’s global governing body, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent’s governing body, while ensuring that Nigeria continues to meet its obligations under the international football framework.
The directive comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent difficulties in qualifying for major competitions, despite the country’s strong football culture and deep pool of playing talent.
Tinubu called on football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.
The President’s directive places renewed focus on reforming the structures around Nigerian football, with the aim of creating a system capable of developing talent, strengthening domestic competitions and improving the country’s performance on the international stage.
The statement was issued on August 27, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.