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NFF Outlined Rescues Plan For Nigeria Football

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Football Federation NFF, under the new leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua has outlined the rescue plan to ensure the real growth of the game of football in Nigeria in all its aspects and ramifications

According to communique issued at the end of meeting of NFF Executive Committee held in hybrid mode on Tuesday in Abuja, the Board identified the critical areas of football development at the grassroots, faithfulness to a properly-reasoned football calendar, earnest development of women’s football and adequate preparation of the National Teams for podium appearances at international tournaments as its focal points.

“In view of the above, the Board admitted there would have to be aggressive marketing and sponsorship drive to generate the necessary funds to plough ahead with its plans, projects and programs. While acknowledging the commendable efforts of the immediate past Board in this area, it resolved to work with even greater positive energy to attract the support of Corporate Nigeria to its programs and activities.

“In its determination to birth a new order in the general organization of Nigeria Football, the Board resolved that the calendar of each and every of the Leagues operated within Nigeria must be approved by the NFF before commencement, and ruled that the Federation Cup competition will now run alongside the Nigeria Professional Football League, with the seriousness of organization and attention that it deserves.

“The Board directed the NFF Legal Unit, through the General Secretary, to thoroughly and expeditiously study the NFF Statutes with a view to advising on how best to reconstitute the Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nigeria Nationwide League One, whose boards have been dissolved alongside the immediate past NFF Executive Committee.

“The Board directed the NFF Technical Department to, within the next two weeks, come up with comprehensive guidelines to regulate and standardize the running of football academies in the country.

“In order to stem the tide of accumulation of debts, the Executive Committee opted to embark on a number of cost-cutting measures, and to ascent on frugal management of resources in the best interest of players and officials, Management and Staff, and Nigeria Football generally. Every perceived area of waste would be cut as a way of fostering the spirit of prudence and financial discipline in the secretariat.”

The communique added that: “As a way of staving off needless embarrassment of the nation during international matches and tournaments, the Board resolved to, in line with present economic realities, have regular conversations with players and officials of the National Teams on the need to make sacrifices now and again when the resources to meet their expectations are not readily available.

“The Executive Committee charged the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos to give it their all during their campaign at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup taking place in India 11th – 30th October 2022.”

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

7 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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