Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Abiodun Baruwa has called for sweeping structural reforms within the Nigeria Football Federation, insisting the country’s biggest challenge is not a lack of progress but poor organisation.
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Baruwa believes Nigerian football has capable administrators but says the federation must establish a more efficient system if it wants to compete consistently with the world’s best.
“Our problem is not progress, it’s structure,” Baruwa said.
The former international acknowledged the experience within the current NFF leadership but argued that experience alone is not enough without a properly organised administrative framework.
According to him, every department within the federation should be staffed by qualified professionals who clearly understand their responsibilities.
“You need the right people in the right departments,” he added.
Baruwa warned that overlapping responsibilities often create unnecessary conflicts and reduce efficiency within football administration.
He maintained that a clearly defined structure would allow officials to focus on their specific duties while improving coordination across the federation.
“When responsibilities overlap, problems are inevitable,” he stated.
The former Super Eagles goalkeeper believes strengthening the federation’s internal structure will ultimately benefit every level of Nigerian football, from grassroots development to the senior national teams.
His comments come as discussions continue over the future direction of Nigerian football following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Baruwa insists that improving organisation behind the scenes is just as important as what happens on the pitch if Nigeria is to return to sustained success.
