NFF Backs Tinubu, Sets Ambitious Targets for Falcons and Falconets, Constitutes Beach Soccer Board

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ordinary General Congress and the CAF Awards Ceremony, while setting ambitious targets for the country’s women’s national teams ahead of major international tournaments.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the Executive Committee meeting held at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday.

The committee commended President Tinubu for approving Nigeria’s bid to host the two prestigious CAF events following discussions with CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe during the Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, in May. It also expressed appreciation to Motsepe and the CAF Executive for entrusting Nigeria with the continental football gatherings.

The NFF also applauded the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), for providing a special intervention fund to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing the initiative as a major boost to the league’s commercial growth and the country’s football economy.

While welcoming the government’s pledge to extend similar support to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), the federation appealed for financial assistance to also be extended to the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nationwide League One (NLO).

The Executive Committee further endorsed the NSC’s commitment to support the strict enforcement of the NFF Club Licensing Regulations, insisting that no club should be allowed to circumvent the rules.

The committee also expressed gratitude to Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the people of the state for hosting the 2026 President Federation Cup final and for the hospitality extended to football stakeholders during the event.

On the international front, the federation challenged the Super Falcons to retain the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco later this month and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The committee also urged the Falconets to aim for history by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup when the tournament kicks off in Poland in September. It directed the NFF Secretariat to ensure the team receives adequate preparation ahead of the competition, noting that Nigeria finished runners-up in the tournament in 2010 and 2014.

The Executive Committee congratulated the Flamingos for qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in Lomé, Togo, to complete an 8-5 aggregate victory in the final qualifying round.

The committee also welcomed Nigeria’s restoration to the CAF A-Licence Coaching Convention and encouraged Nigerian coaches to take advantage of the federation’s coaching development programmes to improve standards across domestic football.

In a key administrative decision, the NFF constituted an interim board to oversee the organisation of Beach Soccer and Futsal leagues across the country.

The newly inaugurated board will be chaired by Mahmud Hadejia, with Dele Gbajumo, Hon. Nkopuye Ukpe, Abdul-Nasir Adamu Senchi, Prof. Victor Madubuiko, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar Alau and former Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi serving as members. Saraki Rasheed Oladimeji will serve as Chief Executive Officer, while the Chief Operating Officer will be appointed by the NFF General Secretary.

The meeting was presided over by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and attended by Executive Committee members Yusuf Ahmed, Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Aisha Falode, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Nse Essien, Margaret Icheen, Timothy Heman Magaji and Silas Agara, alongside General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. First Vice-President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Second Vice-President Gbenga Elegbeleye, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and George Aluo were absent with apologies.