The National Sports Commission (NSC) has revealed a series of strategic decisions aimed at strengthening Nigerian football, improving national team performance and laying a solid foundation for future success.
Speaking after a high-level meeting with football stakeholders, NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who was speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in attendance, said the gathering provided an opportunity to assess critical issues affecting the game and chart a clear path forward.
According to the NSC boss, despite existing challenges, significant progress has been made, and those achievements offer a platform for sustained growth.
Dikko said, “Today’s meeting was essentially to take stock of the key issues before us and determine how we can collaborate more effectively to advance Nigerian football and lay the necessary foundation for long-term success. We have made considerable progress despite some challenges, and those gains provide a platform we can continue to build upon.”
Sporting Tribune reports that one of the major resolutions from the meeting centred on the Super Eagles technical crew.
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According to Dikko, extensive discussions were held with head coach, Eric Chelle, leading to an agreement on the framework of a new contract and improved remuneration package.
The NFF is expected to finalise the documentation, while enhanced welfare packages and performance-based benchmarks will also be introduced for the coach’s assistants.
Dikko also emphasised the importance of long-term planning, stressing that preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup must begin immediately. Also, to ensure continuity in player development, the meeting agreed that Chelle will oversee both the Super Eagles and the U23 national team.
He said, “The objective is to start building now for 2030 by identifying and developing the next generation of players.”
Dikko added that the strategy will help create a seamless pathway for young talents into the senior national team.
The meeting also agreed on measures to improve funding, welfare and preparations for the senior national female football team, the Super Falcons, ahead of major international competitions.
According to Dikko, the NFF has mapped out an extensive preparation programme, including a training camp in Nigeria and international friendlies in Morocco ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while issues relating to players’ welfare and remuneration have also been addressed.
Also speaking on domestic football development, Dikko announced far-reaching reforms aimed at raising the standards of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
He disclosed that the NSC, NFF and league management have agreed to strictly enforce maximum club licensing requirements.
“Professional football must be run professionally. If strict enforcement means fewer clubs qualify initially, then so be it. What is important is raising standards,” he said.
To support the reforms, the league champions will receive a minimum prize money of ₦1 billion from next season, a move designed to encourage compliance and improve competitiveness.
In his remarks, Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the ongoing reforms are transforming the administration of sports in Nigeria. He credited the progress to visionary leadership and the collective commitment of stakeholders.
“Like it or not, we have changed the way sports are administered in this country, and we make no apology for that. Together, we are building a stronger future for Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
