NFF Hails Tinubu, Rolls Out Key Resolutions for Nigerian Football

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 CAF Ordinary General Congress and the CAF Awards Ceremony, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening football development across all levels in the country.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Executive Committee meeting held at the Best Western Plus Hotel, Asaba, on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The Committee applauded President Tinubu for accepting Nigeria’s hosting of the two prestigious Confederation of African Football (CAF) events following discussions with CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, during the Africa Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, in May.

It also expressed appreciation to Dr. Motsepe and the CAF leadership for entrusting Nigeria with hosting two of the continent’s flagship football events.

The Executive Committee also expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), for the special intervention fund being committed to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing the initiative as a significant step towards improving the league’s profile, increasing its commercial value and driving a sustainable football economy in Nigeria.

While acknowledging the government’s promise to extend similar support to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), the Committee appealed to the NSC to also provide financial intervention for the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nationwide League One (NLO) to ensure balanced development across the country’s football pyramid.

The Committee further welcomed the National Sports Commission’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Football Federation in the strict enforcement of Club Licensing Regulations, stressing that no club should be allowed to circumvent the established licensing requirements.

On the national teams, the Committee praised the establishment of a Welfare Committee by the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation for the Super Falcons ahead of the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to hold in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, 2026.

It charged the nine-time African champions to not only secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil but also retain the continental title and claim a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown.

The Executive Committee also challenged the Falconets to aim for history by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup when they compete in Poland later this year.

It directed the NFF Secretariat to ensure comprehensive preparations for the team, while reminding the players of Nigeria’s previous runner-up finishes at the tournament in 2010 and 2014.

The Committee equally congratulated the Flamingos for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in Lomé, Togo, to complete an 8-5 aggregate victory in the final qualifying round.

It expressed confidence that the team would make Nigeria proud at the tournament in Morocco later this year.

In another major development, the Executive Committee welcomed Nigeria’s restoration to the CAF A-License Coaching Convention, urging Nigerian coaches to take full advantage of the various coaching education programmes organised by the NFF to continually improve their knowledge and positively impact football development across the country’s leagues and competitions.

The meeting also approved the constitution of an interim Board to oversee the organisation of Beach Soccer and Futsal leagues in Nigeria.

The Board will be chaired by Mr. Mahmud Hadejia, with Mr. Dele Gbajumo, Hon. Nkopuye Ukpe, Mr. Abdul-Nasir Adamu Senchi, Prof. Victor Madubuiko, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar Alau and Miss Onome Ebi serving as members.

Mr. Saraki Rasheed Oladimeji was appointed Chief Executive Officer, while the Chief Operating Officer will be appointed by the NFF General Secretary.