The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) wishes to address the pressing issue surrounding the upcoming Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elective congress scheduled for September 27, 2026.
We express our concern regarding any potential interventions that might lead to the postponement or stalling of this critical event. It is essential that the congress proceeds as planned to avoid incurring sanctions from FIFA, which could have profound consequences for our members actively participating in domestic leagues.
The players of Nigeria are the backbone of our football, and any disruption in the governance of the NFF could lead to instability in the league system, affecting their livelihoods and overall well-being.
We emphasize that while we support the need for reforms within the NFF to reposition our football for greater success, it is imperative that these reforms occur after the election. The elected body must be empowered to make informed decisions and implement changes that will benefit our football ecosystem as a whole.
We can’t forget in hurry of the situation that played out in 2014, when majority of the NFF Congress members were being held by security forces for questioning and the role played by the players union, as contained in FIFA letter to the NFF Secretary General Barr Musa Amadu dated 29 August 2014 describing the situation of the Nigeria Football Federation. Therefore, we urge the government and others to allow the NFF elective congress to take place as scheduled. Stability within the federation is crucial for the growth of our national game, and we firmly believe that conducting the elections will pave the way for necessary reforms and progressive developments.
Let us work together to safeguard the future of Nigerian football and the interests of our players as we can’t afford to gamble with the lives of Nigeria Footballers should we make the wrong moves and take decisions that will attract FIFA sanctions.
Courtesy NANPF Media
