Police block ‘Reform Our Football’ protest in Abuja, group heads to Presidency

Police block ‘Reform Our Football’ protest in Abuja, group heads to Presidency

The Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, on Wednesday stopped a planned peaceful protest by the Reform Our Football group at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, despite prior notification to the authorities.

In a press statement issued on April 23, 2026, the group said it had formally notified the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, through an official letter, of its intention to stage the protest.

“We regret to inform the public that the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, today prevented our peaceful protest scheduled for the Velodrome, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja,” said Leo Olagbaye, Convener of Reform Our Football.

The group had planned a procession to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Headquarters to demand reforms in the country’s football administration. Olagbaye insisted that “peaceful protest and freedom of assembly are fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and upheld by law.”

“The excuse advanced by the Police to halt our protest cannot and will not deter this group from demanding a total overhaul of football administration in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Reform Our Football also accused the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) of enabling the NFF’s failures. “The camaraderie and fraternity between both bodies have greatly inhibited the growth of the game that millions of Nigerians cherish,” Olagbaye said.

He cited what he described as a “false and deceitful claim” that Nigeria would qualify for the World Cup “through the back door.” According to the group, both NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi had given repeated assurances on World Cup qualification but “have since gone silent after previously speaking with great conviction.”

“We cannot continue this way,” Olagbaye stated.

Following the police action, the group said it would now escalate its demands. “In light of this, the Reform Our Football group hereby resolves to escalate this matter to the Presidency. Nigerian football deserves transparency, accountability, and leadership that matches the passion of its people.”

Efforts to get a response from the FCT Police Command and the NFF were unsuccessful as of press time.

The protest, originally scheduled for 9:30 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Velodrome, was part of growing calls by fans and stakeholders for structural changes in Nigerian football administration amid poor results and governance concerns.