Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that ongoing reforms in Nigerian football will transform the administration of the game, improve player welfare and strengthen the domestic leagues.
Olopade said the proposed changes would introduce a more scientific approach to football development while ensuring greater inclusiveness and participation by stakeholders across the industry.
“Our football would move from here to better administration, to a more scientific approach, to more respect to the players, male and female,” he declared.
The NSC boss explained that the reforms would also address longstanding concerns over stakeholder representation, with particular attention to the roles of the media and private sector.
“Where inclusivity will spread, where the media would have their rights and their say, where the private sector will have their rights and their say,” Olopade stated.
He maintained that individuals and organisations that have contributed to Nigerian football over the years should have opportunities to participate in shaping its future.
Olopade also identified domestic league development as a major priority, stressing the importance of bringing competent personnel into football administration.
“Our leagues can be transformed through personnel that are going to bring in value and do more work,” he said.
His remarks come amid discussions involving Nigerian football stakeholders over changes aimed at improving governance, accountability and the long-term development of the game.
The proposed reforms are expected to address administrative structures, stakeholder engagement and the application of modern methods to football management.
Olopade believes the changes offer an opportunity to build a more effective system that benefits players, administrators, clubs and other stakeholders.
“The confidence boost I’m giving to you today is that the football administration of Nigeria is only going to get far, far, far better than what it was before,” he declared.
For the NSC Director General, the ultimate objective is a more inclusive, professionally managed football system capable of delivering lasting improvements both on and off the pitch.
