Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana says the limited involvement of former Nigerian internationals in football administration is not simply because ex-players are unwilling to serve.
Olofinjana believes institutional policies and entry requirements within Nigerian football can discourage former internationals from seeking leadership positions in the Nigeria Football Federation.
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Speaking amid renewed calls for changes to the NFF leadership following Nigeria’s recent setbacks, the former midfielder argued that many ex-players possess valuable experience but may find the existing administrative structure difficult to enter.
According to Olofinjana, requirements for leadership positions should not be designed in a way that unnecessarily excludes qualified former players who have developed the necessary educational and administrative skills after their playing careers.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Super Eagles midfielder has himself pursued football administration since retirement, working in academy and sporting-director roles before moving into senior talent-management and scouting positions.
Olofinjana stressed, however, that former internationals should not automatically receive leadership positions simply because of their playing careers. He has previously argued that football administration requires education, governance experience and specific professional skills alongside football knowledge.
His position is therefore that Nigerian football should create a system in which qualified former players can compete fairly for administrative roles while ensuring that competence remains the primary consideration.
The debate comes at a time when pressure is mounting for reforms within Nigerian football following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and other recent setbacks involving the national teams.
Olofinjana believes opening the system to suitably qualified former internationals could bring valuable football knowledge into the administration while also encouraging more ex-players to prepare themselves for careers beyond the pitch.
*The former Super Eagles midfielder’s position is that meaningful reform requires both better institutional access and higher professional standards for anyone seeking to lead Nigerian football.*
