Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has cautioned against the growing belief that former footballers should automatically occupy leadership positions in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) simply because of their achievements on the pitch.
The ex-international argued that while former players possess invaluable experience and credibility, football administration demands a completely different set of skills that must be acquired through education, training and professional development.
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The debate over the role of ex-footballers in football governance has resurfaced in recent years, with several former Nigerian internationals advocating greater involvement in the administration of the game. While acknowledging the value retired players can bring, Olofinjana insists appointments should be based on competence rather than reputation.
“Playing football at the highest level gives you experience and credibility, but it doesn’t automatically qualify you to run a football federation,” Olofinjana said.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City midfielder, who has built an impressive career in football management since retirement, stressed that successful organisations are built by people with complementary strengths rather than relying solely on former athletes.
“Every role requires a specific skill set. Leadership, governance and administration require education, experience and continuous learning. It’s about putting the right people in the right positions,” he added.
Unlike many retired players who move directly into coaching or punditry, Olofinjana has pursued executive leadership, holding technical and administrative roles in English football after earning qualifications in sports management and football administration. His post-playing career has strengthened his belief that governance should be driven by expertise as much as passion for the game.
His comments come at a time when Nigerian football continues to grapple with calls for governance reforms, transparency and improved administrative structures, with many stakeholders arguing that the NFF must adopt more professional standards to accelerate the game’s development.
Olofinjana believes former internationals remain important assets to Nigerian football but says they must be willing to prepare themselves for leadership responsibilities rather than assuming their playing careers alone are sufficient.
According to him, the future of Nigerian football depends on creating institutions where experience on the pitch is matched by competence in the boardroom.
As discussions over the future leadership of Nigerian football continue, Olofinjana’s message is unequivocal: legendary status may open doors, but qualifications, vision and administrative excellence should determine who leads the country’s football ecosystem.
