The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, as the sole recognized body representing current and past Nigerian footballers, notes with keen interest the recent developments in our football administration.
We acknowledge the resignation of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and members of the Executive Board. This development follows the clear and decisive call for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football by His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
For over two decades, PFAN has been at the forefront of the agitation for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigerian football. The call for equal representation has been on the front burner of PFAN and we are happy for the intended reforms.
We commend the intervention of the Federal Government and we believe that the National Sports Commission, NSC, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, has the capacity and the best intentions to drive this much-needed reform process.
PFAN is in absolute support of the intended reforms. However, for the reforms to succeed, align with global best practices, and restore public confidence, we state our position as follows:
1. Holistic and Inclusive Reform
We advise a holistic approach that reflects true stakeholder representation in the reforms. We sincerely request that the very people who are the product and face of the game be involved adequately.
2. Alignment with CAF & FIFA Statutes
While pursuing domestic reforms, PFAN urges the NSC and all stakeholders to ensure that the process is fully compliant with CAF and FIFA Statutes, principles of good governance, and the autonomy of football administration.
Nigeria must reform in a manner that protects our international standing, avoids sanctions, and position our football to benefit from CAF and FIFA development programs.
3. Commitment to Collaboration
PFAN remains open and willing to collaborate with the NSC, government agencies, CAF, FIFA, and all genuine stakeholders to move Nigerian football forward. Our wealth of experience on and off the pitch is an asset that must be harnessed.
APPRECIATION AND APPEAL
PFAN sincerely thanks His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed TinubuGCFR Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his political will in directing the relevant agencies of government to restore sanity to our football ecosystem.
In the same vein, we respectfully appeal to Mr. President to as usual ensure fairness in the running of the Board of the National Sports Commission. This is critical to avoid legal and administrative loopholes that may affect the Commission’s operations at this crucial time.
Nigerian football deserves a new dawn. The players are ready to play our part.
Signed* Tijani Babangida (MON)
President
Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN*
Edema Fuludu (MON)
Gen. Sec PFAN
