Nigerian Football Must Reject Imposition And Godfatherism- Stakeholders Deserve A Voice

By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)

As discussions continue over the future administration of Nigerian football, stakeholders must remain vigilant against any arrangement that could undermine the independence, credibility and democratic principles of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Of particular concern are reports and claims circulating about the possible emergence or imposition of Mr. Sampson Ebonihe*, alleged to be a legal adviser to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, in a position of influence within the ongoing football restructuring process.

While these claims require official clarification and independent verification, stakeholders have every reason to demand transparency before any individual is considered for a position of responsibility in Nigerian football.

The central issue is not a personal disagreement with any individual. Rather, it is whether Nigerian football should be administered through established institutional procedures or become subject to personal interests, political influence and perceived loyalty to powerful individuals.

Nigerian football cannot afford a situation where appointments into its administrative structure are perceived as rewards for personal relationships or political allegiance..

The NFF is an institution with established statutes, recognised governance structures and international obligations. Its future leadership and administrative arrangements must reflect competence, credibility, experience and the confidence of football stakeholders.

There is also a need to avoid any arrangement that could create the impression that the NSC Chairman is seeking to exercise personal control over the affairs of the NFF through individuals considered close to him.
Such perceptions, whether justified or otherwise, could damage public confidence in the reform process.

It is important to recall that during the September 2022 NFF presidential election, Shehu Dikko participated in the first round and secured six votes, while Ibrahim Musa Gusau emerged with 21 votes before winning the subsequent run-off by 39 votes to one against Peterside Idah.

That electoral history should remind everyone that football leadership is determined by established electoral procedures, not personal influence or political patronage.

Nobody should be allowed to convert a position in government or a relationship with the leadership of the NSC into an avenue for exercising undue influence over Nigerian football.

Allowing godfatherism to influence football administration comes with serious consequences.

First, it undermines merit and competence. Qualified football administrators may be sidelined in favour of individuals whose strongest qualification is their perceived relationship with influential personalities.

Second, it discourages independent thinking. Administrators who owe their positions to powerful individuals may find it difficult to make decisions in the best interests of the game when those decisions conflict with the interests of their benefactors.

Third, it weakens accountability. Football administrators must be answerable to the institutions and stakeholders they serve, not to individuals who may have facilitated their appointments.

Fourth, it creates unnecessary divisions within the football family. Rather than promoting unity, such arrangements can deepen suspicion, resentment and factional disagreements.

Most importantly, it threatens the future of Nigerian football by shifting attention from grassroots development, quality competitions, infrastructure, youth development and improved administration to political calculations.

The current NFF transition requires particular sensitivity because FIFA has already approved a Normalisation Committee to be jointly appointed by FIFA and CAF, with a mandate to oversee the federation pending fresh elections, no later than May 31, 2027.

This development makes it imperative that all parties respect the agreed international framework.

The Federal Government and the NSC can legitimately pursue reforms, provide policy direction and support football development. However, such responsibilities should not be interpreted as permission for individuals to exercise unilateral control over the internal administration of the NFF.
Nigeria must avoid any action capable of creating friction with FIFA or exposing the country to unnecessary football-related sanctions.

Football stakeholders, including state football associations, club owners, players, coaches, referees, supporters’ organisations and sports journalists, must insist on a transparent and credible process.

If Mr Sampson Ebonihe is being considered for any position, the relevant authorities should publicly clarify his proposed role, qualifications, selection procedure and the legal basis for such consideration.

No individual should be imposed on Nigerian football without a transparent process that respects the applicable FIFA, CAF and NFF governance requirements.

The ongoing reform exercise should be about building stronger institutions, not creating new centres of personal influence. The issue created in the last NBBF election is still very fresh and litigations are still lingering on their neck. Is that part of reforms the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks from the 2Man NSC?

Nigerian football belongs to Nigerians, not to political godfathers, private interests or any individual occupying a public office.

The ultimate objective must be to build an independent, accountable and professionally managed football system capable of restoring confidence, producing talents and delivering sustainable success.

The time has come for stakeholders to defend the institution, protect its independence and reject every arrangement that places personal interests above the collective good of Nigerian football.