Tinubu orders sweeping Nigerian football reforms after NFF exit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football after repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and global tournaments. The directive follows the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the federation’s executive board on Thursday.

The reforms will target the structures that govern and administer the game, rather than focusing only on results by the national teams. The planned review covers stakeholder representation, accountability, player development pathways and the standard of domestic competitions.

Nigeria’s recent qualification setbacks have increased pressure on the football system. The Super Eagles failed to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons missed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The women’s team’s absence ended Nigeria’s run of appearances at every edition of that competition since its first tournament in 1991.

Tinubu said football had not matched the country’s talent, public backing and financial support. He contrasted its struggles with progress in other sports since the National Sports Commission was re-established, arguing that football’s problems were rooted in weaknesses within its institutions.

The chairman of the National Sports Commission has been instructed to work with the NFF secretariat and other football stakeholders. That arrangement is intended to keep essential administration operating while a wider consultation on the reform programme takes place.

The process is also expected to involve FIFA and CAF, with the presidency saying Nigeria’s responsibilities within the international football system must be protected. Tinubu called for stakeholders to support the transition and help build a more accountable structure capable of converting Nigeria’s football talent into sustained success.