Sports
‘Changing NFF Leadership Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Football Problems’ — Gara Gombe
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.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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