NSC, FIFA, CAF Begin Talks on Major Reforms to Transform Nigerian Football

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has begun fresh discussions with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on plans to reshape the future of Nigerian football.

The talks started on Monday when a joint FIFA/CAF delegation visited the NSC headquarters in Abuja for a working meeting with the Commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko. The visit marked the beginning of FIFA and CAF’s assessment mission to Nigeria.

The meeting focused on plans for comprehensive reforms aimed at repositioning Nigerian football. Key areas discussed included legal structures, governance, football development, stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and practical measures to improve the country’s football system.

Speaking during the meeting, Dikko stressed the need for close cooperation among the Federal Government, FIFA, CAF, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in the sport.

FIFA representative Rolf Tanner said the delegation’s assignment was to engage widely with stakeholders, review the proposed reform roadmap, and assess the current state of Nigerian football before presenting its findings to FIFA’s leadership.

He explained that the assessment team was in Nigeria to listen to different opinions and gather ideas that would support the reform process.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for open discussions on the future of Nigerian football, with all parties agreeing that continuous collaboration would be essential to achieving lasting progress.

As part of the visit, the FIFA/CAF delegation is expected to meet with the NFF leadership, state football associations, league bodies, players, coaches, referees, former NFF presidents and general secretaries, club owners, sponsors, and other key stakeholders to gather broad-based recommendations.

The assessment mission will conclude with a final technical meeting between FIFA representatives and officials of the National Sports Commission on Tuesday, September 15, before the delegation departs Nigeria.