NFF Polls: Group Warns Against Ethnic Campaigns, Court Battles

The Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) has called for a free, fair and peaceful Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress, warning aspirants and their supporters against ethnic campaigns, unverified presidential endorsements and attempts to disrupt the September 27 election in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

In a statement signed by its National President, Kamaldeen Adefila, in Abuja on Thursday, the group said it was monitoring developments ahead of the congress and would speak out against any action capable of undermining the integrity of football governance.

CSNGG said the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ inability to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament should not be exploited for personal or political interests in the NFF leadership contest.

The group expressed concern over what it described as campaign tactics centred on ethnicity, unverified claims of presidential endorsement and allegations relating to NFF projects and finances.
It urged candidates to focus on their competence, records, ideas and vision rather than “fear, propaganda or divisive narratives”.

CSNGG also warned aspirants and their supporters against resorting to the courts to stop or overturn the elective congress, saying such action could expose Nigerian football to potential FIFA sanctions.
“A federation election is not strengthened by fear, and Nigerian football does not need another self-inflicted wound,” the group said.

On corruption allegations, CSNGG urged anyone with credible evidence of financial wrongdoing to submit it through formal channels to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies rather than using unsubstantiated claims as campaign tools.

The organisation acknowledged reports of planned protests around the congress but stressed that while peaceful assembly and expression were legitimate rights, protests should not be used to intimidate delegates or disrupt the electoral process.

It also commended the current NFF Executive Committee for maintaining what it described as a cordial working relationship and praised Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for improving the team’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

CSNGG said Nigeria’s football problem was not a lack of talent, pointing to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as recent African Footballers of the Year.

“What Nigerian football needs from this Congress is stability, continuity of genuine reform, and a leadership contest fought and won on ideas,” it said.

The group urged the National Sports Commission and security agencies to guarantee a level playing field, while calling on the media and public to verify claims before accepting them as facts.

It also advised aggrieved parties to use the dispute-resolution mechanisms provided under the NFF Statutes and CAF and FIFA frameworks.