ANFPU clarifies status of Players’ Union, backs NSC-led Football Reforms

ANFPU clarifies status of Players’ Union, backs NSC-led Football Reforms

The All Nigeria Football Players Union (ANFPU) has clarified that there is currently no players’ union recognised by both FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), while reaffirming its commitment to the ongoing football reform process being led by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

According to a signed statement credited to the Secretary General' of the body, Olisa Onuchukwu, the clarification comes against the backdrop of ongoing engagements involving the NSC, FIFA, CAF, the NFF and other key stakeholders on the restructuring and development of Nigerian football.

ANFPU said the present reform process provides an important opportunity to address longstanding issues surrounding players’ representation and to establish a credible, inclusive and properly recognised structure that will effectively protect the interests of Nigerian footballers.

"The Union, through its leadership, has continued to participate in stakeholder engagements and supports the efforts of the NSC to bring together the various interests within Nigerian football as part of the broader reform agenda," the statement said..

ANFPU stressed the importance of unity within the players’ constituency, noting that the welfare, rights, career development and representation of footballers must remain central to any meaningful reform of the game.

The Union also welcomed the involvement of FIFA and CAF in the ongoing consultations, describing international participation as an important step towards ensuring that proposed reforms are consistent with established football governance principles while reflecting the realities of Nigerian football.

ANFPU believes that the current process should provide a platform for stakeholders to resolve existing disagreements over players’ representation and work towards a unified structure capable of giving Nigerian footballers a strong and legitimate voice.

The Union therefore calls on all players, former players, football administrators and other stakeholders to support constructive engagement and place the long-term interests of Nigerian football above individual or sectional interests.

ANFPU remains committed to contributing positively to the reform process and to working with the NSC, FIFA, CAF, the NFF and other relevant stakeholders towards a stronger, more inclusive and better-organised Nigerian football system.