A Group of Retired Sports Directors and State Sports council executives has called for a major overhaul of the Nigeria Football Federation Congress, including a reduction in the voting strength of State Football Association chairmen from 37 to six.
The Forum of Retired Directors of Sports and General Managers of State Sports Councils and Commissions made the proposal amid ongoing efforts to restructure the NFF Congress following the resignation of former president Ibrahim Gusau and members of his board, including Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi.
Representing the forum, former Ekiti State Sports Council General Manager Kayode Akinwumi said the proposed structure would promote a more balanced distribution of voting power within the federation.
The group wants the 37 state votes replaced with six representatives, with each geopolitical zone producing one representative. It also urged football stakeholders to submit ideas that could support a sustainable reform process.
Under the proposed arrangement, coaches, referees, sports writers, club owners, supporters’ clubs, sponsors, school sports, physical education practitioners, licensed players’ agents and football academy owners would each have six representatives, one from every geopolitical zone.
The Players’ Union would receive 12 representatives, while the Armed Forces and Police would have four.
Former Delta State Sports Commission Director-General Victor Onogagamue said the proposal would produce an 82-member NFF Congress with voting rights and could help resolve persistent administrative challenges within the federation.
However, NAPHER-SD member Dr Christian Emeruwa called for broader reforms, particularly increased representation for club owners and players.
Emeruwa argued that State FA chairmen wield excessive influence in NFF elections and decision-making, which he said has sometimes limited the federation’s ability to take disciplinary action against clubs and their owners.
He also proposed representation for specialists in football infrastructure, policy and financing, alongside wider participation by paramilitary organisations.
Emeruwa further recommended at least 24 votes for club owners, citing their substantial financial investment in Nigerian football as justification for greater representation in the NFF Congress.
