The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) continues to face turmoil after missing two consecutive FIFA World Cups. At the heart of the country's declining football fortunes are persistent corruption, a sit-tight syndrome among administrators, and poor governance that prioritizes personal gain over the sport's development. Assistant Sports Editor Gowon Akpodonor reports that without restructuring the current statutes, modernizing the electoral framework, and welcoming fresh ideas, the situation may remain dire for years.
Longest-Serving FA Chairman Highlights Systemic Issues
Sir Ephraim Chukwuemeka became Chairman of the Abia State Football Association in 1991, the year the state was created. He held the position for over 31 years until his death at age 82 in January 2023. A former teacher and coach who led Nigeria's handball team to the 1992 Olympics, Chukwuemeka also served various NFF roles. His lengthy tenure exemplified how entrenched leadership stifles new talent and ideas in Nigerian football, particularly at the grassroots level.
Many state football associations lack vitality and initiative, contributing to the atrophy of grassroots development. While national teams once showed promise, that vigor began fading in the early 1990s.
Evolution of NFA to NFF and Electoral Changes
Before 1992, elections into the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) were governed by Decree 101, allowing the sports ministry to appoint the secretary-general and influence board members. In 1992, intense conflicts arose due to government control and FIFA regulations, threatening a FIFA ban. FIFA deemed Decree 101 contrary to its statutes requiring independent football administration. To avoid a ban, the government repealed the decree in 2005, renaming the NFA to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and increasing board autonomy.
Initially, elections included stakeholders like the Players Union and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). However, during an NFF Congress in Makurdi, Benue State, the electoral process changed to include only the 37 FA chairmen, excluding other stakeholders. The Players Union and others have since protested, arguing that holding board elections before state and local polls prevents fresh blood from entering the NFF Congress. They claim the system keeps Congress members unchanged and board positions reserved for a select few.
International Comparisons: FA Elections in England, Germany, and South Africa
In countries with fair electoral systems, football association elections do not typically cause division. In England, the FA Council comprises 103 members, including representatives from local associations, professional leagues, women's football, referees, managers, and the National League System. Reforms in 2017 expanded the council to improve diversity.
Germany's football executives are elected by 630 members, reduced from 736 in 2021. South Africa uses a bottom-up approach, with voting delegates from Local Football Associations (LFAs), Regional Committees, and the National Executive elected by delegates from regions and affiliates.
Nigeria's system is reversed: the NFF Congress first elects board members, who then conduct state FA elections. This practice, starting with the Sani Lulu-led board in 2006, has fueled crises and court cases.
Examples of Sit-Tight Administrators
Besides Chukwuemeka, Ogun State FA Chairman Ganiyu Majekodunmi has held his position since 2011, now 16 years, and seeks re-election. Niger State FA Chairman Ahmed Yusuf has served since 2002, over 22 years. These long-serving members are part of a Congress that has remained largely unchanged for over 15 years, except for Effiong Johnson of Akwa Ibom, who was removed in 2016 for stepping out of line.
The current FA board has scheduled its electoral congress for November 26 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. However, some stakeholders oppose the polls, demanding amendments to the NFF statute for more democratic elections. They note that the recent extraordinary NFF meeting in Bayelsa State did not address calls for an open system, and they suspect plans to return the Ibrahim Gusau-led board wholesale, especially after a vote of confidence despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Financial Incentives Perpetuate the System
The allure of FIFA and CAF funds drives many to cling to power. FIFA gives each member federation $250,000 yearly for projects, plus additional sums like $8 million per federation in 2024 through the Forward Development Programme. Since 2016, FIFA has invested over $1.06 billion in African football. Nigeria received $1.2 million each for mini-stadium projects in Kebbi and Delta States, and $10.5 million for the 2018 World Cup participation.
The Federal Government approved about N51.4 billion in direct funding and intervention grants from 2023 to 2026 for the NFF, including N2.31 billion in the 2026 budget, N17.6 billion in 2025, and N14.5 billion in 2024. A N17 billion debt clearance fund and N3 billion for the 2025 AFCON campaign were also approved. Beyond financial gains, Congress members gain opportunities to become CAF and FIFA officers, with travel and association with top football managers.
Calls for Reform Intensify
Former national team captain Segun Odegbami threatens legal action to stop the election unless statutes are reformed. He argues the current structure disproportionately empowers state FA chairmen while limiting other stakeholders. Harrison Jalla, chairman of the Professional Footballer Association of Nigeria (PFAN) board of trustees, has already filed a case at the Federal High Court 4, Abuja, demanding a congress with equal representation from all five NFF federating units to overhaul statutes.
Former goalkeeper Sunny Edoreh notes that the electoral process favoring only FA chairmen has killed grassroots football and scouting. Veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana questions why 36 state FA chairmen and the FCT should determine Nigerian football's leadership, alleging that the last election was marred by financial inducement, with delegates given thousands of dollars to vote for candidates.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel calls for the Gusau-led board to resign en masse and for a government probe into the failure to qualify for the World Cup from a group including Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin Republic, and South Africa. Another former star, Etim Esin, demands the dissolution of the technical committee for lacking a long-term plan after two failed campaigns.
Stakeholders insist that without comprehensive reforms, Nigerian football will continue to decline. The fight for control has moved from the pitch to the boardroom and potentially the courtroom.
