Ex-NFF General Secretary Calls for Two-Term Limit, Broader Representation in NFF Congress

Ex-NFF General Secretary Calls for Two-Term Limit, Broader Representation in NFF Congress

By Niyi Busari 

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ethics Committee member Ambassador Fanny Amun (MON) has called for fundamental reforms to the federation’s statutes, urging the opening of the system to credible, experienced and knowledgeable football stakeholders to restore confidence in Nigerian football, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Amun made the call in Abuja on Monday while briefing journalists following the submission of the committee’s report on Nigeria’s recent disappointing performances in international football.

The six-member committee, chaired by Amun, was constituted against the backdrop of the Super Falcons’ disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria’s failure to reach the latter stages ultimately contributed to the country missing out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The committee reviewed several critical areas of Nigerian football, including governance, financial management, technical development, grassroots football, player welfare, national team administration and league management.

Its findings identified a number of challenges affecting the effectiveness of the national teams, including difficulties surrounding player release and communication, inadequate team preparation, medical and injury management concerns, camp administration and technical coordination.

The committee also advocated greater use of technology and improved data management, including stronger age-verification systems, while calling for enhanced regulations and closer monitoring of the national teams.

It recommended the development of comprehensive long-term plans for both men’s and women’s football, regular training and retraining of technical and administrative personnel, improved domestic league structures and better preparation for international competitions.

However, governance emerged as one of the committee’s major areas of concern.

Amun criticised what the committee described as the failure of the NFF Congress to embrace necessary and workable amendments to the federation’s statutes that would allow wider participation by competent and experienced stakeholders.

He argued that the composition of the Congress should reflect the depth of experience and expertise available within Nigerian football, rather than being restricted in a manner that limits the injection of fresh ideas and accountability.

According to Amun, members of the Congress should be credible and experienced football personalities and should be limited to a maximum of two terms in office.

He maintained that such reforms would help strengthen accountability, discourage the concentration of power and create room for new ideas and leadership within the federation.

The committee also raised concerns over allegations of undue influence in the invitation of players to national teams, financial inducements, disparities in the remuneration of players and officials, as well as the prolonged retention of some federation officials in financially rewarding positions.

Amun stressed that the report would only have value if its recommendations were translated into concrete actions.

He called for genuine political will and the commitment of football stakeholders to implement reforms capable of addressing the structural problems affecting the sport.

The committee further recommended that the NFF investigate all allegations thoroughly, strengthen its internal accountability mechanisms and introduce reforms aimed at improving transparency, professionalism and efficiency across the federation.

Despite its concerns, the committee commended the Super Falcons for their commitment and efforts and urged Nigerians and football stakeholders to move beyond recriminations and concentrate on rebuilding the country's football structures.

Amun said the immediate priority should be to restore confidence in Nigerian football by creating a system that promotes competence, accountability, transparency and sustainable development at every level.