The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Committee has praised the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for an intervention package earmarked for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), calling it a significant push for the league’s commercial momentum.
While applauding the move, the NFF said similar backing should be extended to other tiers of the domestic game, including the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nationwide League One (NLO), to ensure development benefits are shared across the football pyramid.
Quick facts
- NFF Executive Committee praised the Federal Government and NSC for an intervention fund for the NPFL.
- NFF asked for equivalent support for the NWFL, NNL and NLO.
- Key decisions were taken at a meeting in Asaba, Delta State.
- NFF thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CAF officials over Nigeria being chosen to host the 2026 CAF Ordinary General Congress and CAF Awards.
- NFF urged Super Falcons to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown and reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- NFF tasked the Falconets with preparations for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, aiming for a first title.
- NFF congratulated the Flamingos after they qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, beating Benin 8-5 on aggregate.
- NFF welcomed Nigeria’s return to the CAF A Licence Coaching Convention and encouraged coaches to join education programmes.
- NFF approved an interim board for Beach Soccer and Futsal led by Mahmud Hadejia.
The Executive Committee also used the session in Asaba, Delta State, to reiterate its broader intention to strengthen Nigeria’s football framework, with several decisions aimed at improving standards and expanding opportunities for players and officials.
In particular, the committee commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 CAF Ordinary General Congress and the CAF Awards. The NFF also expressed gratitude to CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the confederation for awarding Nigeria the hosting rights.
Licensing, coaching and development
NFF welcomed the NSC’s pledge to enforce the NFF Club Licensing Regulations, arguing that adherence to the rules is crucial for raising professionalism throughout Nigerian football. The federation stressed that clubs meeting licensing standards will help create a more consistent and credible competitive environment.
With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set in Morocco, the NFF called on the Super Falcons to protect their continental title. It also urged the team to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Meanwhile, the NFF Secretariat was directed to step up preparations for the Falconets ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. The instruction to the squad was clear: chase a historic first championship at the tournament.
On youth football, the federation congratulated the Flamingos for earning a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s U-17 women sealed qualification after overcoming Benin 8-5 on aggregate in the final qualifying phase.
The NFF further welcomed Nigeria’s return to the CAF A Licence Coaching Convention and encouraged local coaches to take full advantage of the coaching education programmes available. The federation framed the initiative as another step toward upgrading technical capacity across the country.
Beach soccer and futsal board
To accelerate the growth of Beach Soccer and Futsal, the Executive Committee approved the formation of an interim board. The group will be chaired by Mahmud Hadejia and is tasked with organizing and managing both leagues, as part of efforts to widen Nigeria’s football ecosystem beyond the traditional 11-a-side structure.
