By

Nwamaka Chukwuma, Abuja

Since his election in September 2022, Ibrahim Musa Gusau has led the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with a transformative approach, achieving several significant firsts aimed at revitalizing Nigerian football. His tenure is marked by groundbreaking initiatives, infrastructure development, and progress in various aspects of the game.

1. Construction of Camping Facilities and Football Pitch

One of Gusau’s standout achievements is the commencement of construction on a new hostel for National team players camping and a standard football pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. This marks a historic first for the NFF, as no previous administration had embarked on a similar project. The facilities are designed to serve the U15, U17, and U20 national teams for boys and girls, ensuring grassroots football development and seamless preparation for competitions.

The General Secretary of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi, highlighted that this initiative fulfills one of Gusau’s campaign promises, underlining his commitment to football development. The project is now in the construction phase, with contractors mobilized and clearing already underway.

2. Global Broadcast Expansion of the NPFL

Under Gusau’s leadership, Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) matches achieved unprecedented global visibility. Through partnerships with international streaming companies, matches are now broadcast in over 120 countries, promoting the league on a global stage. This initiative has attracted international fans and investors, elevating the league’s status like never before.

3. Historic Referee Development

Gusau prioritized referee development, implementing reforms that allowed young Nigerian referees to receive training from FIFA and officiate in top-tier international competitions. For the first time, ten Nigerian referees were selected to officiate in major leagues, including the English Premier League. This recognition is a milestone in Nigerian football, showcasing the global competitiveness of local referees. Additionally, referees now enjoy timely payment of allowances and improved welfare.

4. National Team Achievements

Under Gusau’s administration, Nigerian national teams have delivered outstanding performances:

•   The Super Falcons reached the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after a 16-year hiatus.
•   The Super Eagles secured a return to the AFCON finals for the first time since 2013.
•   The U-17 Flamingos made history by finishing third at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, a first-ever achievement for the team.

5. Revitalization of Domestic Leagues

Gusau has introduced innovations that have revitalized domestic leagues, including the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO. Key measures include:

•   Partnering with StarTimes to broadcast matches live.
•   Introducing monthly awards for players and coaches to boost motivation and fan engagement.
•   Increasing stadium attendance and fostering a more competitive league environment.

6. Grassroots Football Development

Grassroots football development has been a cornerstone of Gusau’s administration. Through youth-focused programs, partnerships with international football organizations, and talent-scouting initiatives, the NFF is building a strong pipeline of players for future national teams. The construction of the new hostel and pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium further reinforces this commitment.

7. Improved Player and Coach Welfare

For the first time, performance-based bonuses were introduced for players and coaches. Salaries, allowances, and bonuses are now paid on time, boosting morale across all national teams. Coaches have also benefited from international training opportunities to stay abreast of modern coaching techniques.

8. Corporate Sponsorship and Financial Transparency

Gusau’s tenure has seen the NFF secure unprecedented corporate sponsorships, ensuring financial stability for national teams and leagues. His emphasis on transparency has restored confidence among private sector partners, leading to increased investment in Nigerian football.

9. Referee Recognition at FIFA and CAF

For the first time in history, Nigerian referees trained under Gusau have officiated in high-profile FIFA and CAF tournaments. This milestone has significantly elevated the reputation of Nigerian referees on the global stage.

10. Strengthening Relationships with Global Organizations

Gusau has strengthened ties with FIFA, CAF, and other international organizations, enabling Nigeria to benefit from technical support, funding, and training programs. These partnerships have positioned Nigeria as a major player in global football development.

Conclusion

Ibrahim Gusau’s leadership has been marked by numerous firsts that reflect his transformative vision for Nigerian football. From grassroots development to international visibility and infrastructure projects, his initiatives have laid the foundation for sustained growth. By delivering on his campaign promises and prioritizing innovation, transparency, and excellence, Gusau is paving the way for a brighter future for Nigerian football.

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