NFF presidential aspirant Segun Solanke has launched a strong criticism of the current administration of Nigerian football, accusing it of failing to build a professional and sustainable system while promising sweeping reforms if elected in September.
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Solanke, who is campaigning under the banner “One Vision, One Football, One Nigeria,” says his ambition is not simply to occupy the NFF presidency but to fundamentally change the way Nigerian football is administered.
His emergence comes at a critical moment for the country’s football, with the NFF preparing for its 2026 elective congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where a new executive committee will be elected. The election is scheduled for September 27.
Speaking about his ambition, Solanke said the country needs a more professional, transparent and commercially sustainable football administration.
“I want to lead the NFF, because I believe we can build a system that is more professional, transparent and a commercially sustainable one, that develops players from the grassroots, protects the interests of clubs and athletes, strengthens our leagues and gives our national teams the structure they need to compete consistently,” he said.
The former administrator and sports entrepreneur believes Nigeria has no shortage of football talent, but has failed to create a system capable of consistently converting that talent into international success.
“We have an extraordinary amount of talent, passion and resources, but we have not built a football system that consistently converts those advantages into success,” Solanke said.
His criticism comes as Nigerian football faces renewed scrutiny following a series of disappointing results involving the country’s national teams.
The Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup has intensified the debate, while the Flying Eagles have also suffered a major setback on the path towards the next U-20 World Cup.
Solanke believes such setbacks should force Nigerian football stakeholders to ask fundamental questions about how the game is planned and managed.
“We have now missed two World Cups in succession, including the recent failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the World Cup and same, for our age grade teams. We should ask ourselves serious questions about the way we plan and manage our football,” he said.
The NFF aspirant has also placed professionalism and long-term development at the centre of his campaign, arguing that qualification for major tournaments should be viewed as a basic expectation rather than the ultimate measure of success.
His proposed reforms include stronger grassroots development, sustainable football infrastructure, improved domestic competitions, better protection for clubs and players, and the development of Nigeria as a hub for sports tourism and talent development.
Solanke has also identified age cheating as one of the issues he wants to confront, insisting that youth competitions must provide genuine opportunities for young players to develop on merit.
“One of my major priorities will be to ensure that our youth competitions truly belong to young players. We must discourage age cheating by building a transparent player development structure that rewards talent, discipline and honesty,” he said.
The presidential hopeful’s challenge is now to convince NFF delegates that his proposed overhaul can deliver what previous administrations have struggled to achieve.
With the election fast approaching, the contest is becoming increasingly significant for Nigerian football, particularly as stakeholders debate whether the country needs continuity or a fresh direction.
For Solanke, there is little doubt about which path he believes Nigeria should take.
“I want Nigerians to once again look at our football administration and believe that there is a clear direction for the game. That is the reason, I am offering myself,” he said.
The election will ultimately determine whether that vision becomes Nigeria’s next football administration—or remains another ambitious blueprint for change.
