President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau. The reform will focus on strengthening governance, administration, stakeholder representation, player development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability, following repeated failures by Nigeria’s national teams to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments. Tinubu has tasked National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko with working with the NFF and football stakeholders to oversee the process, including consultations with FIFA and CAF.
The president said Nigerian football must better reflect the country’s exceptional talent, resources and passion, arguing that structural weaknesses have continued to undermine its performance. Gusau resigned hours before Tinubu’s directive, saying he wanted to give other Nigerians an opportunity to contribute to the sport’s development. The NFF has faced mounting criticism following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the Women’s World Cup and the Super Eagles’ absence from the men’s tournament, intensifying calls for fundamental changes to the administration of Nigerian football.
