We’re Stakeholders, Not Spectators, says Nigeria’s 5 Major Supporters Clubs

By Joseph Odoekwu, KSM

The five major Supporters Clubs in Nigeria, Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Super Eagles Supporters Club (SESC), Football Fans Club of Nigeria (FFCN), All Sports Supporters Club (ASSC) and Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club (NESC) have declared their full support for the ongoing reform in football administration while demanding formal recognition as key stakeholders in the governance of the game.

According to a communique issued by the five Presidents of the Supporters Clubs at the end of a meeting held on Saturday, 5th September, 2026 at the National Stadium, Lagos, the presidents of the five Supporters clubs demanded that they should not be seen as “mere spectators.”

Signed by Rev. Samuel Ikpea (NFSC), Prince Vincent Okumagba (SESC), Alhaja . Kemi Ogunfuwa (FFCN), Barr. Johnson Dagana (ASSC) and Hon. Sunny Gukong (NESC), the group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko and DG Hon. Bukola Olopade, for what they described as “laudable ongoing reform” aimed at repositioning Nigeria Football for better performance.

“We sincerely appreciate the laudable ongoing reform in Nigeria Football Administration,” the communique stated.

“The Presidents of Various Supporters Clubs in Nigeria, along with the various supporters in Nigeria, fully align with the ongoing reform and call on all relevant stakeholders to join and ensure the success of the ongoing reforms.”

While backing the NFF reforms programme, the Supporters Clubs called for the review of the NFF Statutes to clearly define and protect the place, rights, and representation of Supporters Clubs.

They also demanded the restoration of the legitimate representation of Supporters Clubs in the NFF Electoral Congress.

“Any Football Reform must be broad-based, consultative, and involve all recognised stakeholders, including Supporters Clubs,” the presidents resolved, insisting that Supporters Clubs should be formally recognised as “an essential component of Nigeria Football development.”

In their bid to back words with action in line with the Federal Government’s reform agenda, the meeting resolved to restructure Supporters Clubs for better coordination. To that effect, two committees were inaugurated.

A 4-man Constitutional Drafting Committee comprising Barr. Gwan Gilbert, Barr. Segun Ogunmola, Awo Aregbesola Wasiu and Col. Olumiyiwa Michael was set up and given one month to draft and submit a constitution.

An Electoral Committee made up of Phillemor Adekanda, Mr. Adu Adetunji, Famous Flint Agara Tekuma, Dibi Yinkore and Adedina Omotayo Gabriel was also set up with a three month mandate to conduct a credible, free, and fair election in the first week of December 2026.

The group pledged their full support for every genuine football reform and called on all stakeholders to embrace the reforms for the maximum performance of all National Teams.

“We support every genuine Football reform and call on all stakeholders to embrace the reforms,” the communique concluded.