Nigerian football reform must start with the removal of Dr. Sanusi

Nigerian football reform must start with the removal of Dr. Sanusi

By Sylvanus Ofekun

The management of Nigerian football is in a state of crisis, plagued by incompetence and greed.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has consistently failed to deliver results, leaving fans disillusioned and frustrated.

The organisation's inability to qualify for major tournaments, coupled with its poor handling of the national team's affairs, has raised serious questions about its competence.

The latest setback is the rejection of Nigeria's petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo's eligibility of players in a 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff match.

The NFF's attempt to appeal the decision has been criticized as a publicity stunt, designed to distract from the organization's own failures.

The statement announcing the appeal was long on rhetoric but short on substance, failing to address the underlying issues that led to the petition's rejection.

The NFF's General Secretary, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, has been in office for over 11 years, with little to show for it.

His tenure has been marked by controversy and allegations of financial mismanagement, with many questioning his qualifications and appointment process.

Despite the lack of results, Dr. Sanusi continues to cling to power, using every trick in the book to remain in office.

The NFF's statement announcing the appeal failed to disclose the reasons for the petition's rejection. Insiders reveal that the protest didn't meet FIFA's procedural requirements, including strict timelines.

The Regulations Governing the Preliminary Competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stipulate that protests must be submitted within two hours of the match and followed by a detailed written submission within 24 hours. Nigeria's protest was submitted nearly two weeks after the match, well outside the allowable window.

The mandatory protest fee of 1,000 Swiss francs was also not paid, a fact conveniently omitted from the NFF's statement.

This raises serious questions about the organisation's professionalism and commitment to fairness. If the NFF is serious about challenging the result, why didn't it follow the proper procedures?

The NFF's handling of the situation has raised questions about their competence and integrity. The organisation's prioritization of personal interests over the nation's football development is evident. While Dr. Sanusi and his cohorts continue to draw salaries and enjoy perks, Nigerian football languishes in the doldrums.

Dr. Sanusi's $10,000 monthly salary has sparked outrage, given the country's economic situation. Critics question his appointment process, pointing out that he lacks the professional experience required for the role.

The NFF Statutes emphasize the need for a qualified and experienced General Secretary, yet Dr. Sanusi's appointment has been repeatedly extended despite his failures.

The NFF Secretariat has been embroiled in financial mismanagement and favoritism, with allegations of unqualified individuals in sensitive roles.

For instance, a young lady who did her mandatory one year national service with the NFF in 2022 is now the deputy head of Women Football, all thanks to closeness to some people at the top.

Dr. Sanusi's influence is seen as a major factor, with many questioning his role in appointing and promoting staff. The organisation's lack of transparency and accountability has created a culture of impunity, with officials seemingly above the law.

Article 63.2 of the NFF Statutes outlines the qualifications and appointment process for the General Secretary, emphasizing professional qualifications, of whom they are qualified individuals within the rank and file at the Federation to head the Secretariat. Dr. Sanusi's tenure has raised concerns about the Public Service Rule, with many questioning the legitimacy of his appointment.

The Federal Government Public Service Rule on Contract Appointment limits contract durations, which Dr. Sanusi's tenure has exceeded. His extensions have been criticized as unjustified, with many calling for his removal.

The NFF's failure to qualify for major tournaments has led to further extensions, citing the Super Eagles' continental playoffs and appeal against DR Congo.

This raises questions about accountability and the organization's priorities.

The NFF board is characterized by individuals appointed through close association with the president. This has contributed to the organization's poor performance, with many questioning the quality of decision-making.

The lack of expertise and professionalism has led to a culture of mediocrity, with Nigerian football suffering as a result.

The Congolese Football Federation president's conviction for corruption serves as an example. Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas was sentenced to life imprisonment for embezzling $1.3 million in FIFA development funds. His wife, son, and two federation officials were also convicted, demonstrating that accountability is possible.

In Nigeria, however, officials seem immune to prosecution, perpetuating impunity.

The Nigerian anti-graft agencies, ICPC and EFCC, must explain why former officials aren't being prosecuted. Overwhelming evidence exists, yet no action is taken, raising questions about the agencies' effectiveness.

The $8.4 million 2014 World Cup grant and $10 million 2018 World Cup grant have allegedly disappeared, with no accountability. This is a clear case of corruption, with officials enriching themselves at the expense of Nigerian football.

The NFF's lack of transparency and accountability has created a culture of corruption, with officials seemingly above the law.

President Tinubu recently approved N17 billion to clear outstanding bonuses and allowances.

However, the NFF claims to have used the money to clear hotel bills instead, sparking outrage among players and officials.

This is a clear abuse of power, with the NFF prioritizing its own interests over those of the national team.

The National Sports Commission's inaction is enabling the NFF's recklessness. The commission's failure to hold the NFF accountable has created a culture of impunity, with officials seemingly above the law.

This will likely lead to Nigeria missing the 2030 World Cup, with Dr. Sanusi and his likes continuing to cling to power.

Dr. Sanusi's continued tenure as General Secretary is a major obstacle to reform. His removal is necessary for Nigerian football's progress, yet he remains entrenched in his position.

The NFF's failure to address its internal issues will ensure that Nigerian football continues to struggle.

The NFF needs a thorough overhaul, with competent leadership and transparent governance. Fans demand accountability and results, yet the organization continues to prioritize its own interests. Until meaningful reforms are implemented, Nigerian football will continue to languish.

The international community is taking corruption seriously, as seen in the Congolese Football Federation president's conviction. Nigerian officials must be held accountable for their actions, with corruption and incompetence no longer tolerated.

The NFF's failure to reform will have severe consequences, with Nigerian football isolated and marginalized. The organisation's priorities must change, with the national team's interests placed above personal gain. Anything less will be unacceptable.

The time for change is now, with Nigerian football demanding better. The NFF must rise to the challenge, or risk being left behind.

The future of Nigerian football hangs in the balance, with the next few years crucial to its survival.

. Ofekun contributed this piece through sleekysly5@gmail.com