Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has urged sweeping changes in Nigerian football, warning that poor administration and the neglect of grassroots prospects are undermining the game.
Key takeaways
- West made the appeal during a visit to Ikeja Local Government Chairman Akeem Olalekan Dauda.
- He said Nigeria was depending too heavily on players developed abroad for important national-team roles.
- The former international proposed a broad football reform group involving ex-players, administrators and professionals.
- Dauda described West’s intervention as timely and pledged to connect him with Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
- Ikeja officials will also consider ways to strengthen local youth football and support broader national reforms.
West calls for a grassroots reset
West spoke during a courtesy visit to the office of the Ikeja council chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, popularly known as AKOD.
He argued that gifted young Nigerians were being passed over with increasing regularity, leaving the national teams to depend on footballers who had developed in other countries for key positions.
West said the country needed to rebuild its talent pathway by finding promising players at the grassroots, giving them proper development and ensuring they receive opportunities to progress.
He also expressed concern about the direction of football administration. In his view, stakeholders must cooperate on a restructuring programme capable of repairing the sport’s management and rebuilding public trust.
As part of his proposal, West suggested assembling former internationals, football figures and professionals from relevant fields to develop practical recommendations for the game. He identified former players Julius Aghahowa, Garuba Lawal and Ifeanyi Udeze as potential contributors.
West stressed that his motivation was not personal. Instead, he said he wanted to help find workable solutions for Nigerian football while opening more pathways for young players.
Dauda backs the initiative
Dauda praised West’s commitment to grassroots football and said the timing of the intervention was significant. Although political activity ahead of the 2027 elections was commanding attention, he maintained that football and youth development continued to rank among the country’s important concerns.
The council chairman said he would arrange discussions between West and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, with the aim of taking the former defender’s proposals to a broader national platform.
Those talks would also examine how grassroots football could be supported in Ikeja and how the local government might contribute to the wider task of repositioning Nigerian football.
Dauda added that football provides a valuable platform for developing and empowering young people, as well as promoting national cohesion. For that reason, he said, government and other stakeholders should maintain consistent attention on the sport.
He thanked West for coming to the council and assured him that the issues he raised would receive proper consideration.
