Sports
Tinubu Should Not Be Dragged Into Football Politics, Else His Political Goodwill Stands at Risk
…”FIFA statutes are clear on the principle of autonomy of member associations.”
By: Wasiu Alarape
There is a dangerous narrative beginning to emerge in Nigerian football, one that could have far-reaching consequences if not handled with wisdom and restraint.
Calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally intervene in football matters should be treated with extreme caution. Whatever the grievances may be within the football administration, Nigeria must not create a situation in which political intervention is interpreted as government interference in the affairs of football.
Voices such as former international Segun Odegbami and officials within the National Sports Commission, should understand that a seemingly well-intentioned intervention could produce consequences nobody wants.
The issue is bigger than personalities.
It is bigger than the Nigeria Football Federation. And it is certainly bigger than whoever currently occupies an administrative position in Nigerian football.
The President Must Not Be Put in a FIFA Collision Course. As it is, President Tinubu has enough responsibilities on his table without being drawn into a confrontation with international football authorities.
FIFA statutes are clear on the principle of autonomy of member associations. Governments are expected to respect the independence of football federations and avoid political interference in football administration.
Therefore, those advising the President to wade directly into football disputes must consider the possibility that such an action could expose Nigeria to disciplinary measures.
What happens if FIFA sanctions Nigeria?
What happens if Nigerian clubs and national teams are suspended from international competitions?
What happens to the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets and other national teams?
What happens to Nigerian clubs participating in CAF competitions?
And, most importantly, what happens to the political goodwill of a President who has invested considerable attention in sports and other sectors?
Do Not Create a Problem for Tinubu Where None Exists.Those who genuinely support President Tinubu should be careful not to push him into an avoidable football crisis.Nigeria has had enough experience with international sporting sanctions and disputes to know that FIFA is not an organisation to be taken for granted.
The argument should not be whether the government has the power to intervene.
The real question should be:
Is the proposed intervention consistent with FIFA statutes and the rules governing Nigerian football?
If the answer is no, then Nigeria should not proceed down that road.
Football disputes should be resolved through the established football structures, statutory mechanisms, elections, congresses, disciplinary bodies and appropriate legal channels—not by turning the Presidency into an instrument for settling football administrative disagreements.
President Tinubu’s Political Capital Must Be Protected
This is also where the political dimension cannot be ignored.
President Tinubu is approaching another crucial electoral cycle, with the 2027 presidential election expected to dominate Nigeria’s political space.
Any FIFA ban or international football crisis could generate enormous public frustration.
Football is not just a sport in Nigeria. It is an emotional institution.
Millions of Nigerians identify with the Super Eagles and Super Falcons. A suspension that prevents Nigerian teams from participating in major international competitions could quickly become a national political issue.
Those currently demanding presidential intervention must therefore ask themselves whether they are actually helping the President or unknowingly setting a political trap for his administration.
Nigeria Is Bigger Than Any Individual
There is nothing wrong with criticising the NFF.
There is nothing wrong with demanding accountability.
There is nothing wrong with challenging decisions taken by football administrators.
There is nothing wrong with seeking reforms.
But there is everything wrong with pursuing those objectives in a manner that could put Nigeria on a collision course with FIFA.
Nigeria must not behave as though international football regulations do not apply to us.
We cannot demand that FIFA respect Nigeria while Nigeria refuses to respect FIFA statutes.
The solution to our football problems is not presidential interference.
The solution is strong institutions, transparent administration, accountability, proper stakeholder engagement and respect for the rules.
Former players, sports administrators, government officials and football stakeholders all have important roles to play in developing Nigerian football.
But those roles come with responsibility.
Before anyone calls on President Tinubu to intervene, they should first examine the possible consequences.
Do not puncture the Tinubu administration while trying to solve a football problem.
The President has enough challenges to confront. He should not be handed an avoidable international crisis that could have been resolved within the established football framework.
Nigeria needs football reform—but not at the price of a FIFA ban.
The message should therefore be simple:
Mr President, keep Nigeria’s football autonomy intact. Let football matters be resolved according to football statutes. Protect Nigeria from avoidable sanctions. Nigeria must never act above FIFA statutes.
Football administration must be governed by rules—not political pressure.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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