NFF Orders Fresh Reforms, Assesses Eagles and Falcons Ahead of Major Tournaments

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a raft of new directives aimed at preparing the country’s national teams for upcoming continental tournaments, strengthening football development structures, and tackling the persistent problem of poor officiating across domestic leagues.

The decisions were contained in a communiqué released after the Committee’s meeting held on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja.

Super Eagles Ordered to “Write a New Story” in Morocco

The Committee reviewed preparations for the Super Eagles as they gear up for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026.

It directed the NFF Secretariat to ensure “a hitch-free run-in” to the competition and urged the players to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA World Cup.

The Committee charged the team to use the tournament in the same North African nation as an opportunity to “write a new story about themselves and their abilities.”

Super Falcons: Push for Quality Friendlies Before WAFCON 2026

Similarly, the NFF tasked its Secretariat with securing top-quality friendly matches for the Super Falcons during the February 2026 FIFA window.

The 10-time African champions are preparing for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, also to be hosted in Morocco, from 17th March to 3rd April 2026. The Committee emphasised the importance of robust preparations as the Falcons seek an 11th continental title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

NFF to Introduce New Guidelines for Football Academies

Following what it described as an “exhaustive evaluation” of the declining performances of Nigeria’s youth teams in recent years, the Committee mandated its Technical and Legal Departments to draft new guidelines for the establishment and regulation of football academies nationwide.

The new framework aims to ensure genuine grassroots development and strict compliance with FIFA standards.

Process for New Independent Auditor Commended

The Executive Committee also commended the ongoing process to appoint a new Independent Auditor for the Federation, following the completion of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ two-term tenure.

A public notice inviting competent Chartered Accountants to apply has already been issued, in line with regulations limiting audit firms to a maximum of two terms.

FIFA Forward 3.0 Project on Track

The Committee expressed satisfaction with progress on the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches—projects under the FIFA Forward 3.0 initiative—currently under construction opposite the NFF Secretariat at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

It said the contractor appeared on course to meet the 24-month project deadline.

NFF Laments Poor Officiating, Warns of Tougher Sanctions

A notable highlight of the meeting was the Committee’s strong condemnation of what it called “deep-seated” issues affecting refereeing across all domestic leagues, including the NPFL, NNL, NWFL and NLO.

Citing widespread incompetence, poor officiating, collusion with club officials, and manipulation of match outcomes, the NFF warned that “sterner measures” were forthcoming to restore integrity to Nigerian football.

Attendance

Those present at the meeting included NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau; Board Members Yusuf Ahmed, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Babagana Kalli, Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Aisha Falode, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Margaret Icheen, Timothy Heman Magaji, George Aluo; and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.

Those absent with apology were First Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Second Vice President Gbenga Elegbeleye, and Members Nse Udofot Essien and H.E. Silas Agara.