Calls Mount for Tinubu to Reform Nigerian Football as Stakeholders Demand Accountability

Football stakeholders have renewed calls for President Bola Tinubu to initiate reforms in Nigerian football governance, insisting that the country’s repeated failures on the international stage highlight the need for stronger accountability within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The stakeholders argue that while many nations have strengthened governance through decisive leadership and policy implementation, Nigeria continues to struggle with translating proven international models into practical reforms.

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several countries responded swiftly to disappointing campaigns by overhauling their football leadership.

Côte d’Ivoire’s football federation president resigned after the team’s Round of 16 exit, while Senegal dismissed coach Pape Thiaw after an internal review of its World Cup performance.

According to the Senegal Football Federation, the decision followed “a thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team” and was taken “in the best interests of Senegalese football.”

Algeria also replaced Vladimir Petković after its elimination, Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden before appointing Hervé Renard, while Portugal accepted Roberto Martínez’s resignation after he declared “there’s no point in continuing” without lifting the World Cup trophy.

Observers say these actions underscore the emphasis placed on accountability in football administration.

Nigeria, however, failed to qualify for both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, marking its first consecutive absences from the tournament since making its debut in 1994.

Despite the disappointing results, the NFF leadership remains in office and is preparing for elections scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Preparations include amendments to the federation’s statutes, the inauguration of a 12-member Electoral Committee and a vote of confidence in the executive committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The development has attracted criticism from former players and football personalities.

John Obi Mikel labelled Nigeria’s back-to-back World Cup failures “a disaster” and urged the federation’s leadership to step down.

Segun Odegbami has accused the current administrators of holding Nigerian football hostage, while Tana Ayejina questioned whether the existing leadership has anything new to offer after years of underachievement.

Former defender Efe Sodje blamed weak administration and inadequate structures for Nigeria’s inability to maximise its football talent, while Odion Ighalo stressed that administrators share responsibility for the national team’s struggles.

“It’s not just the players. We have to also look at the people upstairs because decisions and structure play a big role in why we didn’t qualify,” Ighalo said.

Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry also described Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup as a significant loss to the tournament because of the country’s football heritage.

Meanwhile, Odegbami has threatened legal action against the upcoming NFF elections, alleging that the federation’s constitution “unlawfully restricts voting power to state FA chairmen… instead of actual football stakeholders.”

The stakeholders believe reforms in football governance are overdue and argue that improved administration, transparency and accountability are crucial to restoring Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

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