NFF Reforms: Nigeria Pitch Awards Founder Expresses Gratitude to President Tinubu

The founder and President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the long-awaited reform process in Nigerian football, describing the move as a timely intervention aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the game.

In a press release issued in Abuja on Saturday, Philips threw his weight behind the reforms being spearheaded by the Presidency and the National Sports Commission, saying the process would help identify the major challenges facing Nigerian football and draw the much-needed support and intervention required to restore the sport to its rightful place.

‘The reforms initiated by the President and the National Sports Commission will highlight the challenges facing our football and draw the much-needed intervention or support from the Presidency,’ Philips stated.

He described the reform initiative as a bold attempt to confront the perceived decline in Nigerian football, expressing confidence that the process would ultimately leave the game revived, vibrant and robust.

According to Philips, the strategic importance of football and the enormous following it commands among Nigerians make government intervention inevitable, particularly at a time when the sport requires renewed direction and support.

‘Football has a large following in the country, and during football matches involving our national teams, Nigerians become united, abandoning their differences to celebrate the national teams,’ he said.

Philips also commended the National Sports Commission and urged all parties involved in the reform process to work closely with FIFA to ensure that the proposed changes align with the statutes, rules and guidelines of the world football governing body.

‘The Presidency and the National Sports Commission should work closely with the interim management in the NFF and FIFA to ensure that the reforms align closely with FIFA rules and guidelines,’ he added.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards founder expressed confidence in the interim management of the Nigeria Football Federation, led by Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ademola Olajire, describing the duo as experienced administrators capable of helping to steer the federation through the reform period.

‘I have known Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ademola Olajire for decades, and I know they will steer the federation in the right direction. I call on all stakeholders to give them all the support that they need to rebuild our football,’ Philips said.

He called on football stakeholders across the country to actively support and participate in the reform process, stressing that the revival and sustainable growth of Nigerian football remain a collective responsibility.