The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigerian football, while insisting that players must be at the center of the reform process.
While addressing members of the press in Lagos on Tuesday PFAN President, Tijani Babangida (MON), stated that the association acknowledged the resignation of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and members of the Executive Board.
PFAN noted that the resignations followed what it described as the “clear and decisive call for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football” by President Tinubu.
“As the sole recognized body representing current and past Nigerian footballers, we note with keen interest the recent developments in our football administration,” the statement read.
“For over two decades, PFAN has been at the forefront of the agitation for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigerian football. The call for equal representation has been on the front burner of PFAN and we are happy for the intended reforms.”
PFAN, while commending the intervention of the Federal Government expressed confidence in the National Sports Commission, NSC, under Mallam Shehu Dikko, to lead the reform process.
While declaring “absolute support” for the reforms, PFAN outlined three key positions to ensure success and global alignment.
First, the body called for a “holistic and inclusive reform” that guarantees “true stakeholder representation,” stressing that “the very people who are the product and face of the game be involved adequately.”
Second, PFAN urged that the reforms be “fully compliant with CAF and FIFA Statutes, principles of good governance, and the autonomy of football administration” to safeguard Nigeria’s international standing and avoid possible sanctions.
Third, the association pledged its “commitment to collaboration” with the NSC, government agencies, CAF, FIFA and other stakeholders, noting that “our wealth of experience on and off the pitch is an asset that must be harnessed.”
PFAN also thanked President Tinubu, GCFR, for demonstrating the “political will” to “restore sanity to our football ecosystem.”
The association, however, made a respectful appeal to the President to ensure “fairness in the running of the Board of the National Sports Commission,” warning that this was “critical to avoid legal and administrative loopholes that may affect the Commission’s operations at this crucial time.”
“Nigerian football deserves a new dawn. The players are ready to play our part,” PFAN concluded.
The NFF leadership shake-up marks the most significant intervention in Nigerian football administration in recent years, as the Tinubu administration moves to reposition the sport for transparency and better performance on the global stage.