NFF Congress Backs Football Reforms, Rejects Normalisation Committee as First Option
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress has endorsed comprehensive reforms across Nigerian football but insisted that the process must remain within Nigerian law, the NFF Statutes and applicable FIFA and CAF regulations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The position follows the mass resignation of the NFF Executive Committee and General Secretary, a development the Congress described as creating a serious governance vacuum without dissolving the Federation or removing the constitutional authority of Congress.
In its September 2026 reform proposal, the Congress argued that the existing NFF Statutes provide a lawful mechanism for addressing the vacancies through an Extraordinary Congress.
It therefore proposed a process that would begin with the activation of the appropriate Congress, followed by a review of the Statutes and Electoral Code, verification of electoral constituencies and stakeholder structures, and eventually the conduct of fresh elections.
The Congress also called on FIFA and CAF to provide technical assistance, recognition and oversight without taking over the functions of the NFF’s constitutional institutions.
Congress Opposes Immediate Normalisation Committee
The Congress took a cautious position on the proposed establishment of a Normalisation Committee, arguing that such a mechanism should only be considered as an exceptional measure.
According to the proposal, FIFA should only consider a Normalisation Committee if it formally determines that the NFF’s existing statutory institutions are unable to resolve the governance crisis through the Federation’s constitutional framework.
The Congress instead proposed a Caretaker Committee with a mandate of between three and six months to stabilise the Federation and facilitate the statutory process leading to elections.
The proposed committee comprises Christopher Green, Esq.; Hon. Abubakar Ladan; Mr. L. A. Haruna, SAN; Engineer Waheed Akanni; Rukayat Segilola Alaya; Coach Oko Victor Ndubuisi; and Professor Tor Iorapuu.
The Congress stressed that the arrangement must operate under the NFF Statutes and should not become a replacement for elected governance.
Broad Reform Agenda
The Congress said it supports far-reaching reforms covering governance, league administration, commercialisation, funding, infrastructure, player welfare, legislation and football development.
However, it maintained that the reform process itself must uphold legality, institutional continuity, democratic representation, transparency, accountability and football autonomy.
It recommended that the existing NFF Statutes and lawful football institutions serve as the foundation of the process.
The Congress also argued that no reform framework should independently amend the NFF Statutes, alter Congress membership, appoint or remove NFF officials, establish a Normalisation Committee or interfere with the electoral process.
Such powers, it said, must remain with the institutions constitutionally empowered to exercise them.
Government and Football Autonomy
The Congress acknowledged the role of government in supporting football through public funding, infrastructure and legislation but warned against allowing such support to translate into control of the NFF’s internal administration.
It recommended transparent agreements, proper procurement procedures, independent audits and regular reporting for public funding and infrastructure projects.
The proposal also called for legislative reforms to proceed alongside, rather than become a condition for, the NFF electoral process.
Proposed Electoral Reforms
The Congress backed a comprehensive review of the NFF Statutes, Electoral Code and governance structures, with broader representation for players, coaches, referees, leagues and clubs, women’s football, youth football and grassroots interests.
However, it maintained that any changes to Congress membership and voting rights must be approved through the Federation’s established constitutional procedures.
It also proposed a three-term limit for the NFF President and Executive Committee members, citing tenure principles contained in CAF and FIFA statutes.
For the electoral process, the Congress recommended verification of the voters’ register, transparent nominations, eligibility checks, secret balloting and effective appeal mechanisms.
Its proposed sequence is to convene an Extraordinary Congress, review the Statutes and Electoral Code, subject reforms to FIFA and CAF technical review, formally adopt the changes through Congress, verify electoral constituencies and stakeholder structures, and then convene an elective Congress.
The Congress also opposed a wholesale restart of existing Local Football Councils and State Football Associations, preferring verification and regularisation of the structures.
League and Financial Reforms
The Congress also backed the professionalisation of Nigeria’s leagues, stronger club licensing, improved commercialisation, better player welfare and greater investment in youth, women’s and grassroots football.
It nevertheless called for independent financial assessments before major financial commitments are adopted.
The proposed ?2 million monthly minimum salary for players, for instance, should undergo a commercial and financial feasibility assessment.
Similarly, proposed funding of ?2.5 billion for prize money and ?15 billion for media production should be tied to sustainable revenue, club licensing standards and transparent distribution mechanisms.
The Congress also suggested reconsidering the proposed media allocation, with greater attention to the Nigeria National League and Nigeria Women’s Football League.
Six to 24-Month Roadmap
The proposed reform programme would run in phases over six to 24 months.
The first month would focus on stabilising the Federation and convening the competent Congress, followed by legal, governance and financial assessments and stakeholder consultations between the first and second months.
Months two to four would focus on constitutional and governance reforms, including possible amendments to the Statutes and Electoral Code.
The Congress proposes formal adoption of the reforms and electoral preparations between the fourth and fifth months, with elections and handover targeted for around the fifth or sixth month.
The subsequent phases, extending to 24 months, would focus on implementing structural, commercial, player welfare, youth, women’s football, grassroots and infrastructure reforms, alongside an independent evaluation.
Congress Voting Structure
The proposal also noted changes to the NFF Congress voting structure under recent statutory reforms.
According to the document, the 2026 Statute increased Congress membership from 44 to 53 voting members, while a proposed broader representation model would consist of 146 members holding 73 voting mandates.
The proposed model includes representatives of State Football Associations, NPFL and lower-division clubs, women’s football, school sports, players, coaches, referees, beach soccer, grassroots football and supporters.
Congress Position
The NFF Congress stressed that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to reform.
Instead, it wants the overhaul of Nigerian football to be carried out through a lawful, football-led and properly sequenced process.
Its preferred route is to activate the competent Congress, make necessary statutory and electoral amendments, regularise electoral structures and conduct credible elections.
The Congress wants FIFA and CAF to remain involved through technical assistance, recognition and oversight, while respecting the constitutional authority of the NFF.
Its central argument is clear: Nigerian football needs comprehensive reform, but the process should strengthen rather than undermine the Federation’s autonomy and institutional integrity.
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