The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, the sole and recognized umbrella body for past and present professional footballers in Nigeria, is pleased to address the global football community at the ongoing *FIFA Meeting.
On behalf of all Nigerian players home and abroad, PFAN wishes to state the following:
1. PFAN expresses profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, for his visionary leadership and commitment to the ongoing reforms in Nigerian football.
The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports has provided the enabling environment for structure, welfare, and good governance to thrive within the football ecosystem. We are thankful for the Federal Government’s support for player welfare and football development.
2. We also commend the National Sports Commission, NSC*, under the purposeful leadership of *Mallam Shehu Dikko*.
The Commission’s policy direction, stakeholder engagement, and focus on athlete welfare have been instrumental in aligning Nigerian football with global best practices. PFAN appreciates the open-door policy and collaboration extended to players’ representatives.
3. PFAN is proud to announce that Nigerian players now speak with one voice, under one umbrella*. Under the leadership of *Tijani Babangida, MON, President of PFAN*, there is unprecedented unity and harmony within the Nigeria Players Union.
The period of fragmentation is behind us. Today, PFAN represents all past and present professional footballers in Nigeria with one mandate: to protect, promote, and advance the welfare and interests of our members.
4. PFAN wishes to state that the era of divide and rule”* that once inhibited the progress and collective bargaining power of the Nigeria Players Union, is now firmly behind us.
The house of Nigerian players is united. We are focused on engagement, dialogue, and partnership with all stakeholders – government, NFF, clubs, and the international community – for the growth of football in Nigeria.
As we participate in discussions at this FIFA Meeting, PFAN reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity, player welfare, education, post-career support, and the development of football at all levels in Nigeria.
We thank FIFA, CAF, NFF, and all partners for providing the platform for this important engagement.
Signed,
Edema Fuludu, MON
General Secretary
Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria – PFAN
