Former Nigeria international Peterside Idah has called for a major change in the composition of the next Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board, insisting that people with strong football backgrounds should be allowed to run the country’s football.
Idah believes former footballers have a natural advantage when it comes to understanding the game, having experienced its challenges and demands from inside the sport.
“Football belongs to footballers,” Idah said, arguing that those who played the game should have a stronger voice in determining its direction.
The former Super Eagles striker said footballers understand the technical and practical realities of the sport better than outsiders and should therefore be considered when leadership positions are being filled.
His comments come as Nigerian football enters a major reform period following the resignation of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led NFF administration and the subsequent engagement between Nigerian authorities and FIFA.
FIFA has accepted the resignations of the NFF’s principal officers and backed continued discussions on a comprehensive roadmap for reforms in Nigerian football.
Idah believes the process provides an opportunity to place football people at the centre of the country’s football administration.
The former international argued that players understand the game from a unique perspective, having experienced the challenges surrounding development, national-team football and the professional side of the sport.
He therefore wants the next NFF leadership to be dominated by individuals with genuine football experience who can bring that knowledge into decision-making.
The call comes amid wider demands from stakeholders for greater representation of former players, coaches, clubs and other football constituencies in the administration of the game.
For Idah, however, the starting point should be clear: those who understand football should have a major role in determining how Nigerian football is run.
With the reform process now underway, the former Super Eagles forward believes Nigeria has an opportunity to build a new football administration that places the interests and development of the game at its centre.
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