FIFA Backs Nigeria’s Football Reform Agenda, as Dikko Leads NSC Delegation to Zurich
Oru Leonard
The ongoing efforts to reposition Nigerian football have received a major boost following high-level discussions between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in Zurich, Switzerland.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at FIFA headquarters, brought together a Nigerian delegation led by NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Discussions focused on institutional reforms, governance, youth development and other measures aimed at building a stronger, more sustainable football ecosystem in Nigeria.
Infantino said he was pleased to receive the Nigerian delegation, noting that the engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to align their vision for the future of Nigerian football.
He said the discussions went beyond immediate competitions to address the institutional foundations needed to strengthen the sport and create more opportunities for young Nigerians.
“I was pleased to sit down with a delegation from Nigeria, led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko, at the Home of FIFA in Zürich to hold important discussions and align on our vision for football in the country,” Infantino said.
According to him, the discussions covered “institutional, governance and developmental topics, as well as our ongoing collaborations.”
He added that FIFA would continue to explore areas where it could support the development of football in Nigeria, particularly through stronger structures and pathways for young players.
The engagement is significant to Nigeria’s ongoing football reform agenda, which seeks to strengthen administration, improve governance, expand development pathways and create a more sustainable football system.
Speaking on the meeting, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the Zurich engagement reflected the Commission’s commitment to working with international football bodies and national stakeholders to develop reforms that meet global standards while addressing Nigeria’s specific needs.
“For the NSC, the Zurich engagement represents another important step in the ongoing process of repositioning Nigerian football through stronger institutions, clearer development pathways, improved governance and greater opportunities for young Nigerians,” Olopade said.
The Commission stressed that the reform process is focused on building sustainable institutions rather than individuals, with the ultimate objective of delivering long-term success both on and off the pitch.
The Nigerian delegation included Dikko, Olopade, Special Adviser to the CAF President and Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Men’s National Teams’ Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick; NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; and NFF Director of Legal Services, Okey Obi.
Also present were CAF Second Vice President, Kurt-Okraku, and FIFA Director of Member Associations for Africa, Gelson Fernandes.
The NSC said it would continue to engage FIFA and other stakeholders in developing a comprehensive and inclusive reform framework capable of unlocking the potential of Nigerian football and contributing to the wider sports economy.
