Ubani calls for NFF leadership overhaul, urges Gusau to resign

Ubani calls for NFF leadership overhaul, urges Gusau to resign

President of the Guild of Sports Editors, Tony Ubani, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), citing what he described as a sustained decline in the performances of the country’s national teams.

Ubani made the call while speaking on the Sportsville programme, where he argued that Nigerian football requires fundamental reforms rather than merely a change in administration.

The seasoned sports journalist stressed the need for individuals with strong technical knowledge, deep understanding of the football system and proven administrative expertise to take charge of the game.

According to Ubani, the growing demand for change among football stakeholders and the general public should not be ignored, as the concerns are reflected in the declining performances of Nigeria’s national teams.

He invoked the Latin maxim vox populi, vox Dei, “the voice of the people is the voice of God”, to underscore the importance of listening to the widespread calls for reform.

“If there is anything that unites Nigeria, that thing is football. They can toy with politics, they can toy with the economy, but leave our sports alone to triumph,” Ubani said.

“The voice of the people is the voice of God, and the wisest leaders must listen when the public demands change. Gusau must listen to the voice of the people, resign and save Nigerian football.”

Ubani maintained that the current situation demands a broader restructuring of football administration, rather than simply replacing one set of officials with another.

While acknowledging his personal regard for members of the current NFF leadership, he insisted that national interest must take precedence over personal relationships, friendships and regional considerations.

He noted that football occupies a unique position in Nigerian society, serving as one of the few forces capable of bringing citizens together irrespective of their political, ethnic or regional differences.

The Guild of Sports Editors president therefore urged football administrators to respond to the growing calls for change and begin the process of rebuilding Nigeria’s football governance structure at all levels.

His comments come amid continuing concerns over the fortunes of Nigeria’s senior and age-grade national teams, with stakeholders increasingly demanding stronger accountability, improved technical direction and more effective administration of the country’s football system.