Probe All NFF Boards, Not Just Gusau – Gombe Fires Back At Critics

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Athletics and Other Sports Commission, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has called for a sweeping investigation into successive Nigeria Football Federation administrations, insisting scrutiny must go beyond the current leadership.

Gombe, who spoke to sportsunlimited.ng after the recent NFF Congress in Yenagoa, where a vote of confidence was passed on President Ibrahim Gusau, said the endorsement was predictable and entirely within the rights of Congress members.

He argued that similar backing was given during the tenure of former NFF president Amaju Pinnick, despite what he described as more serious failings during that era.

According to Gombe, criticism of the present board is selective and hypocritical, stressing that issues plaguing Nigerian football predate the current administration.

He further questioned Shehu Dikko’s role—now a key figure in sports governance—pointing to his involvement in the previous NFF leadership and casting doubt on his capacity to drive meaningful reform.

Gombe also took aim at former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel and other ex-internationals, accusing them of remaining silent during earlier administrations only to now demand reforms.

He extended his criticism to prominent figures such as Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha and Taribo West, alleging that past engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lacked substance and failed to produce actionable plans for football development.

On the broader state of Nigerian sport, Gombe insisted that reform must not be limited to football, highlighting persistent challenges across federations, including basketball and athletics.

He maintained that the current NFF leadership under Gusau is managing limited resources compared to previous administrations and deserves the opportunity to complete its tenure.

However, Gombe concluded that lasting progress will only come through a comprehensive probe of NFF leadership dating back to Aminu Maigari, alongside structural reforms within the National Sports Commission to ensure accountability and proper management of public funds.