Solanke attacks NFF administration ahead of September NFF election

NFF presidential aspirant Segun Solanke has accused Nigeria’s football administration of lacking professionalism and sustainability, while promising a major overhaul if elected. The NFF’s 2026 elective congress is scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where delegates will choose a new executive committee.

Solanke is campaigning under the slogan “One Vision, One Football, One Nigeria”. The former football administrator and sports entrepreneur says his objective goes beyond winning the presidency, with a focus on changing how the game is managed across the country.

His proposed system would place greater emphasis on transparency, commercial sustainability and player development from grassroots level. He also wants stronger domestic leagues, improved protection for clubs and players, and better structures for the national teams.

Solanke argues that Nigeria has enough talent, public interest and resources to succeed but has not developed an administration capable of turning those advantages into consistent results. He says qualification for major tournaments should be treated as a minimum responsibility, rather than the main measure of progress.

The presidential hopeful pointed to recent setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams as evidence that deeper questions must be asked about planning and management. The Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while the Flying Eagles suffered a setback in their route to the next U-20 World Cup. Solanke described the country as having missed two successive World Cups, including failures involving the women’s and age-grade teams.

Among his stated priorities is a response to age cheating in youth football. He wants youth competitions to operate through a transparent player-development system in which opportunities are based on ability, discipline and honesty. His wider agenda also includes sustainable football infrastructure, stronger domestic competitions, and positioning Nigeria as a centre for sports tourism and talent development.

Solanke now needs to persuade NFF delegates that his reform plans can produce results where previous administrations have fallen short. The September vote will determine whether the federation chooses the fresh direction he is advocating or retains a different approach to running Nigerian football.