NFF Reform: Sports Writers Demand Representation In New Football Structure

NFF Reform: Sports Writers Demand Representation In New Football Structure

By Niyi Busari 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for adequate representation in the proposed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Normalisation Committee as part of ongoing efforts to reform the administration of Nigerian football, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The demand was contained in resolutions emerging from the Association, with SWAN stressing the strategic role of sports journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, public enlightenment and effective stakeholder engagement in the development of football.

SWAN argued that sports journalists, as the principal link between football administrators, players, coaches, supporters and the wider public, should have a meaningful voice in the process of rebuilding the country's football administration.

The Association also called for the full restoration of its representation in the NFF Electoral College, as well as appropriate representation on the NFF Executive Committee.

According to SWAN, its exclusion from key decision-making structures does not adequately reflect the media's longstanding contribution to the development and administration of Nigerian football.

The demand comes at a critical moment for Nigerian football following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee on August 27, 2026. The development led to the suspension of preparations for the NFF Elective Congress earlier scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu subsequently directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) mandated to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to facilitate a broad and consultative reform process.

The President's directive identified governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability as key areas requiring attention. The process is also expected to involve consultations with FIFA and CAF to ensure that the reforms remain consistent with international football regulations.

Against this backdrop, SWAN believes the proposed reform provides an opportunity to correct longstanding gaps in stakeholder representation within Nigerian football.

The Association wants the proposed Normalisation Committee to reflect the broad spectrum of football stakeholders, including the media, while ensuring that the process is transparent, inclusive and geared towards restoring confidence in the administration of the game.

The demand for representation in the Electoral College is particularly significant because the College plays a crucial role in determining the leadership of the NFF. SWAN is therefore seeking restoration of its place in the electoral structure to enable sports journalists to participate directly in decisions concerning the future leadership of Nigerian football.

The Association also wants its representation on the NFF Executive Committee restored, arguing that the media should not merely be regarded as an observer or communication channel but as a recognised stakeholder with a legitimate interest in football governance.

The call comes shortly after SWAN concluded its 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress in Kaduna, where Isaiah Benjamin and Ikenna Okonkwo were re-elected as National President and Secretary-General respectively for another three-year term.

With the NFF now undergoing a transition, SWAN's position is that the reform process should go beyond changes in personnel and address the structural and institutional weaknesses that have affected Nigerian football.

The Association is therefore advocating a football administration that is more transparent, accountable, inclusive and responsive to the interests of all stakeholders.

The NFF Secretariat is currently being overseen by Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire serves as interim Deputy General Secretary. The federation has said a fresh electoral process will commence after the comprehensive reforms and consultations with FIFA, CAF, government and other stakeholders.

SWAN believes that meaningful media representation within the emerging structure would strengthen accountability and ensure that the Nigerian public remains properly informed about decisions affecting the country's most popular sport.