Former Super Eagles coach James Peters has raised serious doubts about the outcome of the Nigeria Football Federation’s fact-finding committee, warning that the exercise could become another “jamboree” unless its findings lead to real and lasting changes in Nigerian football.
Peters, popularly known as JP, questioned why the committee was needed in the first place, arguing that the repeated resort to panels and investigations is itself a reflection of the leadership problems that have continued to plague the country’s football administration.
“There was no need to set up a committee in the first place,” Peters said, describing the situation as a “failure of leadership” in Nigerian football.
The former Super Eagles coach, however, said he has confidence in the leadership of the committee and believes it can make a difference if it is allowed to operate without interference.
“I trust the leadership of the fact-finding committee,” he said.
But Peters stressed that the committee’s independence would be crucial to the success of the exercise, insisting that its members must be given the freedom to properly investigate the issues confronting Nigerian football and present their findings without restrictions.
His biggest concern, however, appears to be what happens after the committee submits its report.
Peters warned that recommendations would mean little if those responsible for implementing them failed to act.
“If the committee is given the freedom to carry out their duties and its recommendations are fully followed, then it can make a difference,” he said.
“Otherwise, it is a waste of everyone’s time.”
The comments come amid mounting pressure for answers over Nigeria’s recent struggles on the international stage. The NFF’s decision to establish the fact-finding committee followed a difficult period for the country’s national teams, with particular attention on the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Peters’ warning therefore goes beyond the committee itself. For him, the real test will be whether Nigerian football authorities are prepared to accept uncomfortable findings and implement the solutions that emerge from the investigation.
With calls for reforms growing louder, the former Super Eagles coach believes another report that produces no meaningful action would do little to restore confidence in the administration of Nigerian football.
And that, Peters fears, could leave the latest fact-finding exercise remembered not as the beginning of reform, but simply as “another jamboree.”
