President blames “structural deficits” for decline as NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and board members resign amid mounting pressure over poor performances and financial scrutiny .
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a “comprehensive reform” of Nigerian football, attributing the country’s repeated failures to qualify for major tournaments to “structural weaknesses” within the system . The directive came hours after Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and members of the Executive Committee resigned .
Announcing the presidential directive, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that while other sports had recorded progress under the re-established National Sports Commission, football had continued to struggle . “Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said .
The reform will address governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions, and accountability . President Tinubu directed NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to work with the NFF Secretariat and stakeholders to maintain essential football administration while facilitating a consultative reform process .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the NFF leadership came under intense scrutiny over the utilisation of a N17 billion Federal Government intervention fund approved in 2024 to clear outstanding payments owed to national teams . The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly been investigating the federation’s financial records .
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 since the tournament began in 1991 . Former Nigeria internationals including John Obi Mikel and Jay-Jay Okocha have publicly called for sweeping reforms .
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