Garba Lawal urges patience as NFF fact-finding probe begins in Nigeria

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has urged Nigerians to give the Nigeria Football Federation’s new fact-finding committee time to complete its work before judging the reasons behind the country’s recent football setbacks.

The committee, chaired by former Nigeria international Ambassador Fanny Amun, was inaugurated to examine the repeated difficulties affecting Nigeria’s national teams and propose solutions. Lawal believes it should be allowed to investigate without public pressure or conclusions being formed in advance.

Nigeria’s recent results have intensified the debate. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed the 2027 Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history. At youth level, the Flying Eagles also suffered a heavy defeat against Burkina Faso in the WAFU-B Under-20 final.

Lawal’s position comes as former internationals question whether another committee can deliver meaningful reform. Critics of the NFF’s decision argue that earlier investigations did not lead to enough change, while supporters believe a fresh and independent assessment could reveal issues requiring urgent action.

The committee is expected to consider several areas linked to the national teams’ performances, including preparation, technical leadership and player selection. Its remit also covers other factors that may have contributed to Nigeria’s wider struggles.

Lawal wants the investigation to look beyond assigning blame to individuals. In his view, it should identify the structural weaknesses within Nigerian football and recommend how they can be addressed. He believes the committee’s findings should be assessed only after the Amun-led panel has finished its assignment.