Infantino Advocates for Reform in Nigerian Football Structure

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for stronger structures and development pathways in Nigerian football during a meeting with a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko at FIFA House in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Infantino expressed satisfaction with the discussions, which covered institutional governance and developmental topics, emphasizing the need for opportunities for youth.

This meeting coincides with a reform process in Nigerian football following the mass resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee. President Bola Tinubu has called for action to address the failures in Nigerian football.

FIFA accepted the resignations of the NFF's principal officers and committed to collaborating with the Nigerian government and the NFF on a new roadmap for reforms. The delegation included key figures such as NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade and former NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

The NFF has established an interim administrative structure, with Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim general secretary, to oversee the reform process aimed at creating a stable environment for football development.