NSC to Recommend Eight-Man Normalisation Committee to FIFA for Nigerian Football Reforms

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is expected to recommend names for an eight-member Normalisation Committee to FIFA as part of efforts to reform football administration in Nigeria.

A football stakeholder, who spoke anonymously to BSN Sports, said FIFA would carry out detailed background checks on all the names recommended by the NSC before deciding who will lead the committee.

The stakeholder said FIFA remains committed to helping Nigeria reform its football system and is working with the NSC to find the best way forward.

“The truth is, the National Sports Commission will recommend names of the eight-man Normalisation Committee to FIFA, but FIFA will do a thorough background check on all the recommended names for the chairmanship and board membership before, in its wisdom, deciding on the best candidate to lead the committee,” the stakeholder said.

The source also claimed that the chairman of the Normalisation Committee would be appointed and paid by FIFA, rather than the Nigerian government.

“It may shock you to know that the chairman of the Normalisation Committee will not be appointed and paid by Nigeria, but by FIFA,” the stakeholder said.

State FA Votes May Be Reviewed

One of the major issues expected to be considered is the composition of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress.

The 37 state football associations currently have 37 votes in the Congress. The stakeholder argued that this gives one group too much influence compared with other important stakeholders in Nigerian football.

“We cannot have a large chunk of the electoral college coming from one particular bloc—the state football associations with 37 votes. It is very unfair to a system that has numerous blocks of stakeholders. There must be a balance,” the source said.

However, the stakeholder stressed that the NFF Congress would remain the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football.

“The Congress remains the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football. Whatever reforms are coming on board, or whatever deformities we want to remove, the Congress must approve them,” the stakeholder said.

The source added that many Congress members have so far welcomed the direction being taken by the NSC.

Total Overhaul of Football System

The proposed Normalisation Committee is expected to carry out a wide review of Nigerian football administration.

The aim, according to the stakeholder, is to correct long-standing problems and create a more transparent and professional system.

“The system is being reformed. It will be a total overhaul of the football ecosystem. We are taking a critical look at how things were done and what should be done differently.

“This means it will no longer be business as usual. We must put round pegs in round holes. People appointed into positions must be properly qualified. Those who are due for retirement must retire honourably, while those whose contracts have expired should either have them renewed based on merit or be allowed to leave.

“The era of fake results, fake promotions, padding and hand-picking must stop. A lot of things simply have to change.”

NFF Congress May Be Expanded

The stakeholder also said the reform process could lead to a wider representation in the NFF Congress.

According to the source, clubs, referees, coaches, players, corporate organisations, supporters, the media, schools, the armed forces and academies could have a stronger voice in the system.

“The committee is reforming the process leading to the NFF Elective Congress. We are expanding the Congress and inviting all critical stakeholders to bring their expertise to the table.

“Over the years, the Congress was hijacked by a few individuals, but now, following consultations with FIFA, we have agreed to open the doors.

“The FA chairmen are not more important than the clubs, referees, coaches and footballers, both active and retired. They are not more important than corporate bodies, supporters, the media, schools, the armed forces or academies.

“These are all critical stakeholders in Nigerian football and must be included in the Congress.”

If implemented, the proposed reforms could bring major changes to the way football is administered in Nigeria, with greater participation from stakeholders, stronger accountability and a more balanced electoral system.