Revitalizing Nigerian Football: The Urgent Need for Inclusivity and Change Under Gusau’s Leadership

Under the NFF Board, Gusau’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope, crucial in supporting and guiding the national teams to success. The NFF has recently achieved some significant milestones that should be noticed. For example, it has successfully revitalized the leagues, attracted new sponsors, and increased the financial stability of the teams.

These successes, under Gusau’s leadership, have led to a resurgence of fans’ interest and increased nationwide attendance at previously deserted stadiums. The Board, with Gusau at the helm, has also taken decisive action against compromised match officials by imposing far-reaching sanctions. It has also reactivated dormant committees, leading to a more transparent and accountable football system. While these changes will take time to mature fully, they represent a promising new beginning for Nigerian football.

However, despite the NFF’s achievements, recent losses in the World Cup qualifiers underscore the pressing need for change. It’s essential to understand that maintaining the same structures over an extended period will inevitably yield the same results. As corporate organizations seek fresh perspectives through headhunts and ‘Experience Hires,’ the NFF must urgently embrace change to sustain its positive trajectory. This is not a mere suggestion but a necessity, a shared responsibility for the future of Nigerian football.

The current structure presents a significant hurdle due to its flawed foundation and incomplete integration of the five statutory members—the referees, coaches, leagues, state football associations, and players’ blocs.

A comprehensive turnaround is urgent; we must advocate for the necessary changes, such as restructuring the decision-making process to include all stakeholders, implementing a more transparent financial system, and enhancing the training and development programs for referees, coaches, and players.

We are all aware that ‘sycophancy,’ a term referring to the practice of excessive flattery or praise for personal gain, often dominates our socio-economic spaces. This phenomenon, if unchecked, can hinder the NFF’s ability to make objective decisions. Without alternative voices to offer down-to-earth perspectives, the NFF will find it difficult to change the status quo in Nigeria’s football.

Is there any harm in the Board accommodating the other four blocs’ statutorily mandated to legally represent their blocs to harvest the wisdom of the alternative voices as part of the decision-making process? These ‘alternative voices’ can bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and innovative ideas to the table, enriching the decision-making process and potentially leading to more effective strategies for Nigerian football.

Grace and peace!!!