PFAN Supports Tinubu’s Football Reforms, Seeks Players’ Role in NFF Restructuring
Oru Leonard
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to reform Nigerian football, insisting that players and other key stakeholders must have meaningful representation in the restructuring process.
PFAN President, Tijani Babangida (MON), stated this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, following the resignation of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and members of its Executive Board.
The association said the development was consistent with the Federal Government’s renewed push for comprehensive reforms in the administration of Nigerian football.
According to PFAN, it has consistently advocated transparency, accountability and inclusive governance in football administration, particularly the need for adequate representation of those directly involved in the game.
“As the sole recognized body representing current and past Nigerian footballers, we note with keen interest the recent developments in our football administration,” the association said.
PFAN said it welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention and expressed confidence in the National Sports Commission (NSC), under Mallam Shehu Dikko, to drive the reform process.
However, the association stressed that the restructuring must go beyond administrative changes, urging the government to ensure that players are adequately represented in the new football governance structure.
PFAN identified three critical conditions for the success of the proposed reforms.
The first, it said, is the need for a holistic and inclusive process that guarantees genuine stakeholder representation, particularly the involvement of players who remain the “product and face” of football.
The association also called for strict compliance with the statutes and regulations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, as well as global principles of good governance and football autonomy.
PFAN warned that failure to align the reforms with international football regulations could expose Nigeria to avoidable legal and administrative challenges, including possible sanctions.
The association further pledged to work with the NSC, relevant government agencies, CAF, FIFA and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform process achieves its objectives.
It said the experience of former and current footballers remains an important resource that should be deployed in rebuilding the country’s football administration.
PFAN also commended President Tinubu for what it described as the political will to address longstanding challenges in Nigerian football and restore confidence in the system.
The association, however, appealed to the President to ensure fairness in the composition and administration of the National Sports Commission Board, saying this would help prevent legal and administrative loopholes at a critical stage of the reform process.
“Nigerian football deserves a new dawn. The players are ready to play our part,” PFAN said.
The development represents a major shake-up in Nigeria’s football administration and could pave the way for significant changes in the structure and governance of the country’s football institutions.
Credit: Martins
