By VICTOR OKOYE

Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Initiative, says ex-footballers must take charge of Nigerian football administration to restore the country’s past glory.

Jalla said this was the most sustainable way to reposition Nigerian football, improve performances at continental and global competitions, and revive domestic leagues and grassroots development.

He said former players possessed the experience, understanding and team spirit required to provide effective leadership and drive meaningful reforms in the country’s football administration.

According to him, an Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by ex-footballers would prioritise competence, merit and professionalism in appointing individuals to key administrative positions.

“Former footballers understand the game and its challenges because they have experienced the system as players.

“They know what works and what needs to change. They must therefore take responsibility for shaping the future of Nigerian football,” he said.

Jalla said an ex-footballer-led NFF would attract experienced professionals to its technical, marketing, sponsorship and other committees.

He argued that such an administration would be better positioned to protect players’ interests, ensure prompt payment of entitlements and promote transparency in football management.

“Nobody understands the frustration of unpaid allowances and entitlements better than former players who have experienced such situations.

“We must build a system where players receive their dues promptly and are treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Jalla also called for an end to the alleged misuse of football resources, saying accountability must become a fundamental principle of the proposed reforms.

He criticised the alleged practice of taking personal associates and family members to international competitions at the expense of public resources.

According to him, football administration must be driven by professionalism, patriotism and accountability rather than personal interests.

He said former players would also prioritise the development of indigenous coaches through regular training, retraining and exposure to international best practices.

“Local coaches must be given the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their capabilities.

“We cannot continue to overlook our own people when we have the capacity to produce coaches capable of competing successfully across Africa and beyond,” he said.

Jalla said the proposed reforms would also encourage greater participation by the private sector, media and other football stakeholders.

He stressed that the campaign was not intended to sideline other stakeholders but to ensure that former players played a central role in determining the direction of Nigerian football.

“We fought for reforms to take control of Nigerian football, not to sit on the sidelines and watch those without the necessary understanding take over the system again.

“The time has come for footballers to unite and take responsibility for the future of the game,” he said.

Jalla congratulated Nigeria and the national female Under-17 team on their reported world championship success, describing the achievement as an encouraging development for the country’s ongoing football reform efforts.

In a related development, Jalla announced plans to organise footballers’ conferences across the six geopolitical zones between February and March 2027.

He said the conferences would sensitise and mobilise the Footballers’ Bloc ahead of the 2027 NFF elections.

The initiative, he said, would be organised under the auspices of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN).

Jalla said the conferences would provide a platform for former and active footballers to discuss reforms, strengthen their collective voice and agree on strategies for greater participation in football administration.

He urged football stakeholders to support the initiative, saying a united footballers’ bloc would be important in shaping the future of the country’s football administration. (NAN)