Like many patriotic and committed Nigerians, I would gladly contest for the office of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if the election were conducted on a truly level playing field through a democratic, free, fair, and credible process.
I firmly believe I possess the vision, experience, and commitment required to restore Nigerian football to its glory days. However, I will not participate in an undemocratic and predetermined election in which those with the least football knowledge and competence continue to produce leaders whose actions have driven Nigerian football into decline.
The rush to conduct the so-called September 2026 NFF election, while Nigeria faces the real possibility of missing the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time in 2030, reflects a misplaced sense of urgency. That is, of course, if the election proceeds as currently envisaged by the entrenched interests that continue to dominate the system.
Some of us will remain in the trenches, providing leadership for sustained advocacy, meaningful reforms, and the continuous struggle to liberate Nigerian football from poor governance and institutional failure.
The qualification of African teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stands as clear evidence that football federations built on competence, accountability, and sound administration can achieve success.
Unfortunately, the Nigeria Football Federation remains deeply plagued by corruption and systemic mismanagement. Rather than embracing transparency and accountability, it continues to rely heavily on funding from the Federal Government while using FIFA and CAF as shields against legitimate scrutiny and calls for reform.
The time has come for genuine change. Nigerian football deserves transparent leadership, democratic governance, and administrators whose primary commitment is to the growth of the game and the national interest—not personal or sectional interests.
Prince Harrison Jalla
Chairman
Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reforms Initiative
