The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Football Association, Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has issued a strong call for structural reform, insisting that the next Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must be composed strictly of individuals with proven knowledge and deep expertise in football administration.
Speaking in the wake of recent administrative shifts, Mohammed emphasised that Nigerian football has reached a critical juncture-one that requires seasoned technocrats rather than political placeholders.
He noted that managing football in the 21st century is a serious enterprise requiring a thorough understanding of governance, infrastructure development, and commercial investment.
‘The current system requires a comprehensive reset. We need strict screening criteria for candidates looking to lead our national football body,’ Mohammed stated, drawing from his nearly 30 years of experience in sports management.
‘Only stakeholders who possess proven administrative competence, structural vision, and a clear commitment to grassroots and facility development should form the next Executive Committee.’
Mohammed, who has successfully restructured the FCT League and is currently contesting for the influential position of NFF Chairman of Chairmen, pointed out that a lack of technical and administrative depth at the national level has historically crippled the growth of domestic leagues and youth academies.
He urged the football congress and voting delegates to look past sentiment and prioritise a merit-based selection process to align Nigerian football with global best practices.
The call for reform follows the voluntary resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and his board members last week.
Their departures came after widespread public dissatisfaction over the recent failures of various national teams to qualify for major global tournaments.
The final blow to the Gusau-led administration was the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 10-time African champions had previously attended every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991.
Prior to the board’s mass resignation, the 2026 NFF Elective Congress was scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.