FIFA, CAF complete Nigeria football governance assessment after two-day consultations

Emmanuel Onyeacholem
FIFA/CAF Delegation Meets National Sports Commission Leadership in Abuja. [Image credit: NSC on X]

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have completed their governance assessment mission in Nigeria after two days of consultations on football reforms, Bold Sports reports.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) hosted the mission’s concluding technical meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at its headquarters in Abuja. The engagement followed extensive discussions with stakeholders across Nigerian football.

Stakeholders present consultations

The FIFA/CAF delegation began its consultations on Monday, September 14. The meetings continued through Tuesday before the mission concluded at the NSC.

The delegation met with several groups within the Nigerian football system. These included the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration and secretariat staff.

The NFF Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee also took part. State Football Associations and league bodies joined the consultations as well.

FIFA, CAF complete Nigeria football governance assessment after two-day consultations
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko meets FIFA/CAF governance delegates during strategic Abuja consultations. [Image credit: NSC on X]

Players, coaches and referees shared their views with the delegation. Former NFF principal officials, clubs, media representatives, sponsors and supporters also participated.

The consultations gave FIFA and CAF direct feedback from people involved in Nigerian football. Discussions focused on governance, administration and the wider development of the sport.

Stakeholders also presented suggestions on reforms that could help reset the Nigerian football ecosystem.

Shehu Dikko leads NSC engagement

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko led the discussions with the FIFA/CAF delegation at the commission’s headquarters.

The engagement focused on collaboration and practical solutions for Nigerian football.

The NSC said the discussions also considered football’s potential contribution to economic and social development.

The Commission stated that the FIFA/CAF delegation would return the findings to its leadership in Zurich. FIFA and CAF will then assess the information gathered during the Nigerian mission.

That assessment will help determine the next steps. It will also guide a possible roadmap for activating and driving the proposed reforms.

NSC highlights stakeholder agreement

The NSC said stakeholders showed broad agreement on the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football.

FIFA, CAF complete Nigeria football governance assessment after two-day consultations
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko meets FIFA/CAF delegates and key stakeholders during Abuja governance consultations. [Image credit: NSC on X]

The Commission described that alignment as an important step towards resetting the football ecosystem.

“The National Sports Commission applauds all the Stakeholders for the unanimous alignment and agreement that the comprehensive reforms and rest is evidently desirable,” the Commission said.

The NSC also reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with football’s governing bodies and other stakeholders.

It said it would maintain “continuous open, international and deliberate dialogue and collaboration with FIFA, CAF, the NFF members and all relevant stakeholders” towards advancing Nigerian football.

The FIFA/CAF mission now moves into its assessment phase. Its findings are expected to shape discussions around the future governance and administration of Nigerian football.

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Emmanuel Onyeacholem Chukwuyem is a sports journalist, football commentator, writer, and broadcaster focused on African football, delivering in-depth coverage of domestic leagues, national teams, and major international tournaments.
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