The Senate Committee on Sports has summoned the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for an emergency meeting following a string of disappointing results involving Nigeria’s national teams.
The committee, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi, said the meeting was prompted by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The meeting was attended by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
Ningi said the session was convened following a directive from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who requested an explanation over the declining fortunes of Nigerian football.
According to the senator, the meeting is expected to form part of a broader assessment of the state of sports in Nigeria, particularly football, when the Senate resumes next month.
Senate Seeks Answers Over Nigeria’s Football Decline
Ningi said the Senate wants the relevant football authorities to explain the factors behind the recent poor performances of the national teams.
He noted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for two major international competitions had caused considerable concern among football supporters and stakeholders.
The senator also pointed to what he described as substantial financial support from the Federal Government, arguing that inadequate funding alone could not explain the national teams’ recent struggles.
He cited government spending on the country’s sports programmes and a reported payment of about $100,000 to players and officials, alongside a significant increase in the sports budget.
Senate Wants NFF, NSC to Work Together
Another major issue raised at the meeting was the relationship between the NFF and NSC.
Ningi described the two organisations as being far apart and said efforts would be made to improve cooperation between them.
He disclosed that another meeting could be held in the Presidential Villa as part of efforts to close the gap between the football federation and the country’s sports administration.
The senator said better coordination between the relevant institutions would be necessary if Nigeria is to rebuild its football structures and return to international competitiveness.
Calls Grow for Football Reforms
Nigeria’s recent setbacks have increased calls from football stakeholders and supporters for significant changes in the administration of the sport.
According to Ningi, some stakeholders have even called for the dissolution of the NFF.
However, he stressed that any decision concerning the federation must comply with Nigerian laws as well as the statutes of the world football governing body, FIFA.
He said the Senate would not take steps outside the law and would consider the relevant legal and regulatory framework before making recommendations.
“Whatever action we must take, we must take within the ambits of the law,” Ningi said.
Senate Promises Action on Nigerian Football
The Senate Committee on Sports is expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding Nigeria’s recent international football failures.
Ningi said the committee would prepare a comprehensive briefing for the Senate when lawmakers resume next month.
He assured Nigerians that the Senate would examine the issues affecting the national teams and consider lawful measures that could help restore discipline, competitiveness and better administration within Nigerian football.
The development comes amid broader concerns over the management of Nigerian football and the effectiveness of the institutions responsible for overseeing the country’s national teams.
With the Senate now taking a closer look at the situation, attention is expected to remain on the NFF, NSC and other stakeholders as discussions continue over how to reposition Nigerian football.
