Tinubu wades into Nigeria football crisis…demands comprehensive reforms, Olofinjana, Emenalo emerge as figures to play important roles

By Our reporter 27.8.2026
Following the mass resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation executive committee, President Bola Tinubu has demanded for a comprehensives reform that will prevent repeated failures in continental and international contests by Nigerian national teams.
Tinubu noted that football has continued to struggle because of structural weakness, while other sports are doing relatively well.
“The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” Tinubu was quoted in a statement made available by Bayo Onanuga his adviser on information and strategy.
“Football, Nigeria’s most popular sport and the greatest beneficiary of public support, investment and national attention, has continued to struggle basically due to structural deficits within the system,” Tinubu said.
He directed the Chairman of the National Sports Commission to work with the NFF Secretariat and relevant football stakeholders to ensure continuity in essential football administration and facilitate a broad, consultative reform process.
The process will include appropriate engagement with FIFA and CAF while safeguarding Nigeria’s obligations within the international football framework.
Meanwhile former Super Eagles defender Seyi Olofinjana has been speculated to play a major role in the new football administration expected to be in place.
Olofinjana,46, has built significant experience in football administration and management since retiring from professional football.
Olofinjana previously worked with Wolverhampton Wanderers as Loans Pathway Manager before taking up the role of Sporting Director at Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zürich.
In 2024, he joined Chelsea as Head of Scouting, where he has been involved in identifying and assessing footballing talent across Africa.
Beyond his professional experience, Olofinjana holds a UEFA Pro License as well as master’s degrees in Sports Directorship and Project Management.
Another former Super Eagles who also fits the frame is Mike Emenalo, former Chelsea FC and Monaco FC director of football who is also vastly experienced in football administration.