Sports administrator and businessman Segun Solanke has entered the race for the Nigeria Football Federation presidency, making the restoration of World Cup qualification a central promise of his campaign.
His platform carries the slogan “One Vision, One Nigeria, One Football.” Solanke says he wants to rebuild Nigerian football through open administration and grassroots-led development, drawing on nearly 20 years in the sport rather than seeking a departure from it.
His experience has largely come outside the NFF executive structure. He owns Olumo United Football Club in Ogun State, as well as FC Provazios and Provazios Sports Academy in Lagos State, where he also operates a multi-sport academy.
Quick facts
- Candidate: Segun Solanke
- Campaign slogan: “One Vision, One Nigeria, One Football”
- Football operations: Olumo United, FC Provazios and Provazios Sports Academy
- Sports experience: more than 16 years
- Nigeria missed the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups
“I have been active in sports for over 16 years,” Solanke said. He described his academy as a place where children are developed across several sports, with the aim of helping some reach professional level.
World Cup qualification is the clearest target in his campaign. Solanke said Nigeria would not miss another FIFA World Cup under his leadership, insisting that the country’s players have always possessed greater ability than its planning and administration have shown.
He said the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and Nigeria’s age-group national teams can compete with the world’s leading sides. In his view, the missing ingredients are focused leadership, detailed preparation and a more effective football structure.
Nigeria failed to qualify for both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, a sequence Solanke considers unacceptable given the country’s football history. Qualification, he said, should be regarded as a basic expectation rather than an exceptional accomplishment.
His 10-point programme covers accountable and transparent football management; renewed grassroots work in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory; better-run and more commercially sustainable domestic leagues; stronger youth systems and scouting; and improved welfare and professional development for coaches, referees and administrators.
The plan also promises greater support for women’s football and equal opportunities for female players, while seeking reliable investment and sponsorship. Solanke further lists stakeholder unity, consistently competitive national teams at African and global level, and long-term policies capable of surviving changes in NFF leadership.
Solanke said he wants to create a football structure Nigerians can trust, leagues of which the public can be proud and stronger national teams, while opening pathways for millions of young players. His proposed development plan would link youth football more effectively with the senior sides and remain in place beyond any one NFF administration.
However, his route from declaration to the ballot is not yet secured. Solanke acknowledged that he has not bought the nomination form required to stand in the election.
He said the delay was not caused by a lack of intent, explaining that the NFF had not officially begun selling the forms.
The proposed congress date has also moved from 26 to 27 September, prompting questions over whether the timetable leaves a genuine contest. Solanke rejected that suggestion without making a direct accusation against the federation, saying his determination would not change even if the date were moved again.
He said that, with God on his side, no opponent could stop him, and that he would attend and contest whenever the election is held. Solanke added that he had already expressed his wish to improve Nigerian football and would continue pursuing that objective.
Asked why delegates should reject a second term for incumbent Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Solanke avoided a personal attack. He said every office-holder could claim to have done his best, but argued that new candidates such as himself should be given the chance to deliver more.
“Give me the opportunity to serve and I will do better,” was the substance of Solanke’s appeal, as he asked voters to support his claim that his administration could improve on the current one.
He also addressed the possibility of being prevented from appearing on the ballot. Solanke said any such move would leave Nigerians questioning whether the federation genuinely supported a democratic election.
In his view, there would be no justification for creating rules or procedures that stopped him from competing. If the incumbent camp believed it had enough support to win, he said, the candidates should meet on an even playing field and let the vote decide.
Solanke has urged delegates, clubs, coaches, players, referees and fans to support his bid, presenting it as a campaign that extends beyond one presidential election.
“This is not only about securing victory at the polls,” he said. “It is about creating a football system that serves every Nigerian.”
