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…Laments interference in national team selection
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The fact-finding committee constituted to investigate Nigeria’s recent poor participation in international football has recommended tenure limit for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board and State Football Association (SFA) members.
Chairman of the committee, Ambassador Fanny Amun, who unveiled the details of the fact-finding committee at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, said the recommendation is part of the moves to move Nigeria football forward.
On the administration of football, Amun called for reforms to the NFF statutes to accommodate more stakeholders and promote wider participation in the federation’s congress.
While advocating a maximum of two terms in office for Congress members, he urged the federation to create opportunities for new and experienced stakeholders to participate in football administration.
He said the committee was concerned that some individuals had remained in strategic positions for prolonged periods, creating unnecessary rivalry and limiting opportunities for others, recommending that membership of the board must be tenured.
Amun also alleged interference in the selection of players and appointment of coaches by some NFF officials, the committee revealed that it received allegations that some board members and officials were involved in the invitation of players to national teams, recruitment of coaches and other technical decisions.
Refusing to reveal the identity of the officials involved, the former football administrator and coach argued that the report intended to address systemic problems in Nigerian football rather than witch-hunt individuals.
He said that the committee inaugurated on August 17 and given 14 days to complete its assignment, compiled its report within three days after holding prolonged meetings.
While throwing his weight on the presidential order for a comprehensive reform of football administration in the country, he suggested that fixing the tenure of the federation board and State FA members will be the best place to start the reforms.
“The committee’s mandate was to unravel the root causes of Nigeria’s poor performances in recent international competitions, with particular reference to the Super Falcons’ elimination from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
“The committee examined governance, finance, technical development, grassroots football and league administration, among other areas. Some officials had interfered in the selection of players and appointment of coaches, contrary to the responsibilities of the technical department.
“Some of the allegations were that board members were involved in team selection, recruitment of coaches and selling of players,” he said.
Amun said the committee also received allegations that agents and other intermediaries influenced player selection during national team camps, stressing: “Such practices, if established, could undermine the quality and integrity of national teams.
Amun also criticised the inequitable remuneration system for national team delegations, where some officials allegedly received daily allowances while players and coaches were not similarly compensated.
He maintained that the committee was of the view that players and coaches deserved appropriate allowances and rewards for their services to the country.
“If you are paying all, you pay all. If you are not paying all, you don’t pay all. The question remains, where is the equity there?” he asked.
