Former chairman of the Gombe State Football Association Shuaibu Gara Gombe has dismissed the recent vote of confidence passed on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, insisting it does not reflect real progress in Nigerian football.
Reacting to the development, Gombe argued that such endorsements are not unusual, even for administrations that failed to deliver results.
“It’s nothing new,” he said.
According to him, past NFF leaderships that struggled to achieve meaningful success also received similar backing from the congress.
“We’ve seen this before,” he implied.
Gombe expressed concern that these votes of confidence often create a false sense of progress, masking deeper issues within the system.
“It doesn’t mean things are working,” he noted.
For him, the real challenge lies in ensuring that the right people, those with vision, competence, and integrity, are given the opportunity to lead.
“We need the right people,” he stressed.
He warned that without genuine reform and inclusivity, Nigerian football risks remaining stagnant despite ongoing discussions about change.
“Nothing will change otherwise,” he added.
Gombe’s comments highlight ongoing skepticism among stakeholders about governance within the federation, particularly as elections approach.
As debates over leadership and reform continue, questions remain about whether current structures can deliver the transformation many are calling for.
For Gombe, the message is clear.
Support must be earned through results.
Not declarations.
Because in football, progress is measured on the pitch, and in leadership decisions.
