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There is a dangerous narrative beginning to emerge in Nigerian football, one that could have far-reaching consequences if not handled with wisdom and restraint.
Calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally intervene in football matters should be treated with extreme caution. Whatever the grievances may be within the football administration, Nigeria must not create a situation in which political intervention is interpreted as government interference in the affairs of football.
Voices such as former international Segun Odegbami and officials within the National Sports Commission, should understand that a seemingly well-intentioned intervention could produce consequences nobody wants.
The issue is bigger than personalities.
It is bigger than the Nigeria Football Federation. And it is certainly bigger than whoever currently occupies an administrative position in Nigerian football.
The President Must Not Be Put in a FIFA Collision Course. As it is, President Tinubu has enough responsibilities on his table without being drawn into a confrontation with international football authorities.
FIFA statutes are clear on the principle of autonomy of member associations. Governments are expected to respect the independence of football federations and avoid political interference in football administration.
Therefore, those advising the President to wade directly into football disputes must consider the possibility that such an action could expose Nigeria to disciplinary measures.
What happens if FIFA sanctions Nigeria?
What happens if Nigerian clubs and national teams are suspended from international competitions?
What happens to the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets and other national teams?
What happens to Nigerian clubs participating in CAF competitions?
And, most importantly, what happens to the political goodwill of a President who has invested considerable attention in sports and other sectors?
Do Not Create a Problem for Tinubu Where None Exists.Those who genuinely support President Tinubu should be careful not to push him into an avoidable football crisis.Nigeria has had enough experience with international sporting sanctions and disputes to know that FIFA is not an organisation to be taken for granted.
The argument should not be whether the government has the power to intervene.
The real question should be:
Is the proposed intervention consistent with FIFA statutes and the rules governing Nigerian football?
If the answer is no, then Nigeria should not proceed down that road.
Football disputes should be resolved through the established football structures, statutory mechanisms, elections, congresses, disciplinary bodies and appropriate legal channels—not by turning the Presidency into an instrument for settling football administrative disagreements.
*President Tinubu’s Political Capital Must Be Protected*
This is also where the political dimension cannot be ignored.
President Tinubu is approaching another crucial electoral cycle, with the 2027 presidential election expected to dominate Nigeria’s political space.
Any FIFA ban or international football crisis could generate enormous public frustration.
Football is not just a sport in Nigeria. It is an emotional institution.
Millions of Nigerians identify with the Super Eagles and Super Falcons. A suspension that prevents Nigerian teams from participating in major international competitions could quickly become a national political issue.
Those currently demanding presidential intervention must therefore ask themselves whether they are actually helping the President or unknowingly setting a political trap for his administration.
*Nigeria Is Bigger Than Any Individual*
There is nothing wrong with criticising the NFF.
There is nothing wrong with demanding accountability.
There is nothing wrong with challenging decisions taken by football administrators.
There is nothing wrong with seeking reforms.
But there is everything wrong with pursuing those objectives in a manner that could put Nigeria on a collision course with FIFA.
Nigeria must not behave as though international football regulations do not apply to us.
We cannot demand that FIFA respect Nigeria while Nigeria refuses to respect FIFA statutes.
The solution to our football problems is not presidential interference.
The solution is strong institutions, transparent administration, accountability, proper stakeholder engagement and respect for the rules.
Former players, sports administrators, government officials and football stakeholders all have important roles to play in developing Nigerian football.
But those roles come with responsibility.
Before anyone calls on President Tinubu to intervene, they should first examine the possible consequences.
Do not puncture the Tinubu administration while trying to solve a football problem.
The President has enough challenges to confront. He should not be handed an avoidable international crisis that could have been resolved within the established football framework.
Nigeria needs football reform—but not at the price of a FIFA ban.
The message should therefore be simple:
Mr President, keep Nigeria’s football autonomy intact. Let football matters be resolved according to football statutes. Protect Nigeria from avoidable sanctions. Nigeria must never act above FIFA statutes.
Football administration must be governed by rules—not political pressure.
Credit: Wasiu Alarape
