Tinubu Orders NFF Overhaul, Directs Talks With FIFA, CAF

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a “comprehensive reform” of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failure to qualify for major international competitions.

In a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said overhaul became necessary to address structural weaknesses affecting the administration and development of football.

He said the reform was intended to help Nigeria overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.

According to the President, Nigeria football keeps struggling despite progress recorded in other sports since the restructuring of the sector under the re-established National Sports Commission (NSC).

The President gave the directive on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stressing that urgent measures were needed to address the structural challenges affecting the administration and growth of football in the country.

According to Ireporter Online, Tinubu said the proposed reforms would focus on tackling the persistent problems that have continued to undermine Nigeria’s chances of competing successfully at regional, continental and global tournaments.

The President expressed concern that Nigerian football has continued to face setbacks despite notable progress in other sporting disciplines following the restructuring of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission.

Tinubu maintained that the situation required a broad review of the way football is administered and developed, with the aim of creating a stronger and more effective system capable of producing sustainable success for the country on the international stage.

The directive is expected to trigger consultations with key football stakeholders and international bodies as part of efforts to reposition Nigerian football and prevent further disappointments in major competitions.