Sports

‘Changing NFF Leadership Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Football Problems’ — Gara Gombe

Published

4 months ago

July 28, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Sports administrator and football stakeholder Gara Gombe has argued that changing the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not automatically solve the country’s football challenges, throwing his weight behind the re-election of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

Speaking to Journalist on Monday in Abuja, Gombe said Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup should not be used as the sole basis for judging the current NFF leadership, noting that football development is a gradual process that requires stability and continuity.

According to him, previous NFF administrations also failed to qualify for the World Cup but were given the opportunity to continue in office, urging stakeholders to assess the current leadership based on facts rather than sentiment.

“Changing the regime today will not transform Nigerian football overnight. Building a successful football system takes time, and we must avoid making emotional decisions,” he said.

Gombe maintained that Gusau inherited several structural challenges and deserves the opportunity to complete his reforms and seek another term in office.

He also dismissed reports of alleged plots to destabilise the NFF ahead of its next election, insisting that attempts to force a leadership change through external pressure or administrative manoeuvres would not succeed.

“Gusau is not going anywhere. I believe he will return because stability is essential for the progress of Nigerian football,” he stated.

The football administrator urged critics to respect differing opinions, revealing that he had received insults and threats for publicly supporting the NFF president.

“I speak according to my conviction. I have no personal interest or appointment to seek. When people do well, I commend them, and when they fail, I criticise them,” he said.

While backing Gusau’s re-election, Gombe stressed that his support was not unconditional, warning that he would be among the first to criticise the NFF leadership if a second term fails to deliver tangible improvements in Nigerian football.

He also called for greater accountability across the sports sector, urging public officials and administrators to be transparent in the management of sports infrastructure and development funds while working collectively to reposition Nigerian football.

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Sports

Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race

Published

18 hours ago

November 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.

Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.

The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.

“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.

The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.

Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.

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