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Former Chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission, Larry Daniel, has called for an experienced and strategic approach to resolving the current leadership vacuum at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Daniel made the call amid the ongoing administrative transition at the football governing body, urging stakeholders to ensure that capable administrators with practical knowledge of the game are entrusted with the responsibility of steering Nigerian football.
A veteran of Nigerian football, Daniel brings considerable experience as both a former player and sports administrator. He was a player with the defunct ABM Babes, a club that later evolved into Gombe United FC, giving him firsthand experience of the game and an understanding of issues surrounding football administration and player welfare.
His longstanding commitment to sports development and grassroots empowerment earned him an appointment as Chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Daniel was also appointed Chairman of the Board of Gombe United FC, where he was tasked with helping to revive the fortunes of the state’s flagship football club.
During his tenure, Gombe United secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), returning to the top tier of Nigerian football.
Beyond sports administration, Daniel has been involved in community empowerment and philanthropic initiatives, particularly at the grassroots. His contributions have also earned him the traditional title of Kan Giwan of the Doma Emirate in Gombe State.
Speaking on the leadership transition at the NFF, the Kan Giwan of Doma stressed the need for experienced and competent administrators to take responsibility for the federation at this critical period.
According to him, the current situation presents an opportunity to address longstanding concerns about leadership and ensure that those with practical knowledge of football administration are given the opportunity to serve.
“To correct the leadership imbalance and effectively fill the vacuum created by the resignation of the Gusau-led board, we must ensure that experienced, capable hands are chosen to lead.
“We need administrators who practically understand the game and have a proven track record of sports development.
“This is the only way our national teams can thrive, reclaim their dominance, and make Nigerians proud on the global stage as we used to know in the past.”
Daniel’s comments come as stakeholders in Nigerian football look ahead to the next phase of administration at the NFF.
His position underscores the importance of experience, football knowledge, administrative capacity and a proven record of sports development in discussions about the future leadership of Nigerian football.
