Sports
PFAN Backs Tinubu’s Football Reforms, Demands Players’ Inclusion in NFF Restructuring
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigerian football, while insisting that players must be at the center of the reform process.
While addressing members of the press in Lagos on Tuesday PFAN President, Tijani Babangida (MON), stated that the association acknowledged the resignation of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and members of the Executive Board.
PFAN noted that the resignations followed what it described as the “clear and decisive call for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football” by President Tinubu.
“As the sole recognized body representing current and past Nigerian footballers, we note with keen interest the recent developments in our football administration,” the statement read.
“For over two decades, PFAN has been at the forefront of the agitation for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigerian football. The call for equal representation has been on the front burner of PFAN and we are happy for the intended reforms.”
PFAN, while commending the intervention of the Federal Government expressed confidence in the National Sports Commission, NSC, under Mallam Shehu Dikko, to lead the reform process.
While declaring “absolute support” for the reforms, PFAN outlined three key positions to ensure success and global alignment.
First, the body called for a “holistic and inclusive reform” that guarantees “true stakeholder representation,” stressing that “the very people who are the product and face of the game be involved adequately.”
Second, PFAN urged that the reforms be “fully compliant with CAF and FIFA Statutes, principles of good governance, and the autonomy of football administration” to safeguard Nigeria’s international standing and avoid possible sanctions.
Third, the association pledged its “commitment to collaboration” with the NSC, government agencies, CAF, FIFA and other stakeholders, noting that “our wealth of experience on and off the pitch is an asset that must be harnessed.”
PFAN also thanked President Tinubu, GCFR, for demonstrating the “political will” to “restore sanity to our football ecosystem.”
The association, however, made a respectful appeal to the President to ensure “fairness in the running of the Board of the National Sports Commission,” warning that this was “critical to avoid legal and administrative loopholes that may affect the Commission’s operations at this crucial time.”
“Nigerian football deserves a new dawn. The players are ready to play our part,” PFAN concluded.
The NFF leadership shake-up marks the most significant intervention in Nigerian football administration in recent years, as the Tinubu administration moves to reposition the sport for transparency and better performance on the global stage.
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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