Tinubu Orders Reform of Nigerian Football Over Qualification Failures

By Adebola Muili

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following the country’s repeated failure to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments.

The reform is expected to tackle longstanding weaknesses in football governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability.

The President gave the directive in a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu noted that while other sports had recorded meaningful progress since the reset of the sports sector under the re-established National Sports Commission, football had continued to struggle because of structural weaknesses within the system.

“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,” the President said.

He said Nigerian football must begin to match the country’s exceptional talent, passion and resources with stronger institutions and sustained performance.

According to him, the reform must address the longstanding need to strengthen the administration and development of football and establish a system capable of delivering better results at regional, continental and global competitions.

Tinubu directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration while facilitating a broad and consultative reform process.

The process, he said, would include appropriate engagement with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.

The President also urged football stakeholders and Nigerians to support the transition and work collectively towards building a stronger, more accountable and successful football system.