NFF Reforms, Pfan Says Inclusiveness Will Give Nigerian Football New Life.

By

Princewill Oviesan Deduke

The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) has called for the inclusion of professional footballers and former internationals in the ongoing process of reforming Nigerian football administration, saying the experience of those who played the game must be brought to the table if the country is to achieve a sustainable new beginning.

The call was made at a PFAN press conference held on Tuesday, September 8, at the Swimming Pool Lounge of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, with the theme “Nigeria Football – The Way Forward (PFAN Stance).”

PFAN President and former Super Eagles international, Tijani Babangida (MON), said the proposed reforms present an important opportunity to rebuild confidence in Nigerian football but stressed that the players—the principal actors in the game—must not be left out of the process.

Babangida urged the authorities responsible for the reform process to create meaningful representation for PFAN, insisting that former players possess valuable knowledge and experience that can contribute to the development of the nation’s football.

He also appealed to former footballers to close ranks and return to the union, emphasizing that a stronger and more united PFAN would be better positioned to protect the interests and welfare of its members.

“Let Us Work Together” — Babangida

The PFAN president called on former members to put aside differences and join forces with the association in building a stronger platform capable of delivering improved welfare, recognition and other meaningful benefits to retired footballers.

He said the time had come for former players to recognize the importance of collective action, particularly as many of those who gave their youth to Nigerian football are advancing in age.

The position formed part of PFAN’s wider call for a holistic, transparent and inclusive reform process, in line with good governance and the relevant CAF and FIFA statutes.

Ajide Calls for Unity Among Former Players

Also speaking at the gathering, Hon. Ajide, PFAN South-West Coordinator and host of the press conference, made a passionate appeal for unity among former footballers.

Ajide urged members to place the collective interests of the union above personal differences, stressing that unity remains essential to achieving PFAN’s objectives.

He also reminded former footballers to “reason with time,” noting that members are no longer getting younger and that urgent steps must be taken to establish structures that will protect their welfare and future.

According to him, the strength of the union will depend largely on the willingness of former players to come together, support one another and build a legacy that will benefit both current and retired footballers.

PFAN Backs Reforms, Wants Players at the Table

In its official position, PFAN expressed support for the Federal Government’s push for reforms in Nigerian football while calling for a process that genuinely represents all critical stakeholders.

The union maintained that footballers, past and present, are central to the game and therefore deserve adequate representation in any framework designed to reshape Nigerian football administration.

PFAN further called for reforms to be consistent with CAF and FIFA statutes, principles of good governance and the autonomy of football administration, warning that Nigeria’s reform agenda must protect the country’s international football standing.

The association also expressed its readiness to collaborate with government institutions, the National Sports Commission, CAF, FIFA and other stakeholders in building a stronger football ecosystem.

South-West Football Family Turns Out

The press conference attracted a strong gathering of former Super Eagles internationals, ex-professional footballers and respected football personalities from across the South-West.

Their presence underscored the growing interest among former players in the direction of Nigerian football and the future of the footballers’ union.

The event provided an opportunity for former players to reconnect, exchange views and reflect on the challenges facing Nigerian football while discussing how their collective experience can contribute to the reform process.

A New Dawn for Nigerian Football

The PFAN leadership believes the current moment provides an opportunity to correct longstanding weaknesses in football administration and establish a system that gives stakeholders a stronger voice.

With Babangida calling for inclusion in the reform process and Ajide demanding unity among former players, the message from the Surulere gathering was clear: Nigerian football needs the experience of its footballers—past and present—to build a stronger future.

“The players are ready to play their part,” PFAN declared in its official position.

Signed:
Tijani Babangida (MON)
President, PFAN

Edema Fuludu (MON)
General Secretary, PFAN