NFF executive committee meets in Abuja to address Nigerian Football challenges

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) convened at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on March 17, 2025, to deliberate on pressing matters affecting the development and administration of football in the country. The high-level meeting brought together top officials of the federation, including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and other executive members.

Key Agendas Discussed

The meeting covered a broad range of issues aimed at improving Nigerian football at all levels. Among the major topics on the agenda were:

1. Super Eagles and Falcons’ Preparations for International Competitions
   The committee reviewed the readiness of the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Super Falcons’ preparation for international tournaments. Discussions centered on logistics, player selection, and financial support to ensure the teams perform at their best on the global stage.
2. Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Improvements
   The state of the domestic league was a major talking point, with executives addressing concerns about league structure, officiating standards, and club licensing regulations. The NFF reiterated its commitment to enhancing the NPFL’s competitiveness and attracting more sponsorship deals to boost the league’s financial sustainability.
3. Grassroots and Youth Development Programs
   Recognizing the need for a steady pipeline of young talent, the NFF reaffirmed its commitment to youth development initiatives. The committee discussed plans to expand grassroots football programs and strengthen the scouting network to identify promising talents from across the country.
4. Refereeing Standards and Capacity Building
   The federation addressed concerns over officiating in Nigerian football, pledging to introduce more training programs for referees to ensure fairness and professionalism in domestic competitions. The possibility of incorporating Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the NPFL was also briefly discussed.
5. Financial Accountability and Sponsorship Drive
   Transparency in financial management was a crucial topic, with the executive committee emphasizing the need for accountability in the federation’s operations. Additionally, efforts to secure more corporate sponsorships and partnerships were explored as part of long-term financial sustainability plans.

Resolutions and Next Steps

At the conclusion of the meeting, the NFF reaffirmed its dedication to repositioning Nigerian football for greater success. The federation announced plans to:

• Strengthen partnerships with government and private stakeholders to improve football infrastructure.
• Implement a more structured approach to player development from grassroots to professional levels.
• Engage with FIFA and CAF for additional technical and financial support for Nigerian football programs.

Next Steps

The meeting marks a crucial step in the federation’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing Nigerian football. With critical tournaments and league reforms on the horizon, the NFF has assured football fans and stakeholders of its commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the sport.

TheLink News NG will continue to provide updates on developments within Nigerian football and the NFF’s strategic initiatives.