• Urges Tinubu to support widespread call for comprehensive reforms in football’
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has threatened to occupy the secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if members of the board refuse to resign to allow for fresh ideas to rule the country’s football.

The body said that Nigerian football can no longer afford the continued dominance of politicians and opportunists in football administration, adding that the time has come for fresh, competent and experienced football professionals to take charge of the nation’s football and rescue the game from years of poor leadership, corruption and political interference.

In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said that Nigeria needs “an NFF leadership structure that gives prominent former professional footballers and respected football administrators a central role.

HURIWA cited personalities such as Michael Emenalo, former technical adviser of Chelsea FC; Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha, former Super Eagles captain; Segun Odegbami, former Green Eagles captain; and Ahmed Musa, former Super Eagles captain, among other respected football professionals.”

It urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to declare a state of emergency in Nigerian football and work with FIFA to establish a credible framework that ensures only tested, trusted and competent football professionals are allowed to play leading roles in the administration of Nigerian football.

The body described Nigeria’s football crisis as now too serious to be treated as business as usual.

“The failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for two successive World Cups, alongside Nigeria’s expected absence from the 2027 Women’s World Cup, according to the association, shows that Nigerian football is facing an existential crisis.

“This is no longer just about missing football tournaments. It is about the gradual destruction of a national institution that has given Nigerians pride, unity and happiness for generations,” HURIWA said.

The association said the recent intervention by former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha, who called for fresh thinking and a new structure in Nigerian football, should be taken seriously by the government and all stakeholders.

HURIWA noted that previous attempts at reform have produced recommendations that were either ignored or poorly implemented.

It therefore warned that merely setting up another committee or normalisation arrangement without changing the fundamental structure of football administration would amount to another waste of time.

HURIWA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the widespread demand for comprehensive reforms in the NFF and ensure that football administration is placed in the hands of people with the competence, experience and integrity to develop the game.

The association also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of football resources and the implementation of policies that will develop grassroots football, strengthen the national teams and restore Nigeria’s place among the world’s leading football nations.

HURIWA said politicians have no business controlling the technical direction of Nigerian football when the country has produced world-class footballers and administrators capable of providing better leadership.

“We cannot continue to put the future of Nigerian football in the hands of people who have little or no professional football experience. Nigeria has the talents, the resources and the football history. What is missing is competent and accountable leadership.

“The current NFF leadership should honourably resign and allow fresh minds to take over. This is not a witch-hunt. It is a demand for accountability and a desperate call to save Nigerian football from extinction.”

HURIWA urged former internationals, coaches, players, football administrators, supporters and all Nigerians to join the campaign for fundamental reforms in Nigerian football.