Nigeria’s early and disappointing departure from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has prompted a six-person Fact-Finding Committee to call for a complete overhaul of the Nigeria Football Federation’s administrative system.
Led by former NFF Secretary-General Fanny Amun, the committee also comprised Dr Alex Mana, former Super Falcons skipper Desire Oparanozie, Ladan Bosso, Mutiu Adepoju and secretary Nasiru Jibril. It presented its findings on August 21, 2026, detailing broad institutional shortcomings in areas including leadership, funding, camp protection and team readiness.
A major concern was the unequal treatment of personnel financially. The report said NFF board members and administrative staff generally collect their full allowances while working with national teams, whereas players and coaches are often still waiting for money owed to them. It also recorded a case involving funds that went missing while the Super Falcons were in Morocco.
The committee further noted continuing claims that members of the NFF board affect the choice of players for national teams, while some coaches allegedly bring footballers into camp in pursuit of private financial benefits. It also delivered a severe assessment of security at national-team camps, saying people without authorization were able to enter team areas freely. In its governance review, the panel identified a long-running institutional impasse, with the NFF Congress repeatedly resisting required changes to its statutes despite direct appeals from three Nigerian presidents.
Among the proposed remedies is a firm restructuring of the federation’s governance, including restricting NFF Congress representatives to two terms. The committee also called for an end to staff remaining in the same roles for excessive periods, arguing that such arrangements fuel divisions within the organisation. It said national-team call-ups should be determined exclusively by up-to-date fitness and performance evidence assessed by the technical and medical departments.
The panel stated that Ashleigh Plumptre’s absence was fully justified because the defender had undergone surgery. It also said its inquiry found no proof that players had interfered with selection decisions during the competition.
The report called for a fair and transparent payment system covering every player and official. It additionally recommended extensive changes to Nigeria’s domestic competitions, specifically the NPFL, NNL, NLO and NWFL.
To improve the reliability of player records, the committee recommended digital systems for monitoring player information and confirming ages. In its final warning, it said the proposals must not remain merely on paper, insisting that meaningful change requires prompt, practical implementation supported by firm political commitment.
