By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
NFF Urged to Skip Some FIFA and CAF Tournaments to Save Costs, Sani Toro Advises
Former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Sani Toro, has advised the NFF to reconsider Nigeria’s participation in certain FIFA and CAF competitions as a cost-saving measure aimed at strengthening the long-term development of Nigerian football.
In an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12, Toro said the federation must become more selective in choosing international tournaments for its national teams, warning that participation in every available competition is placing unnecessary financial strain on the NFF.
Toro explained that a clear prioritization strategy would help the federation manage its resources more efficiently and reduce wasteful spending.
“Once they are able to adhere strictly to this advice, they will be able to save more money,” Toro said. “It is not compulsory that we participate in all CAF and FIFA competitions. We need to set our priorities right to avoid wasting money on competitions that are not relevant to the development of our football.”
Financial Challenges Continue to Affect NFF
The Nigeria Football Federation has faced ongoing financial difficulties in recent years, with the most recent example occurring during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Reports of unpaid bonuses and allowances allegedly led to player unrest and threats of boycotts, creating distractions at crucial stages of the tournament.
These recurring incidents have once again raised questions about financial planning and accountability within the federation, particularly during major international competitions.
NFF Staff Size Adds to Financial Burden
Toro also identified the size of the NFF workforce as a major contributor to its financial challenges, suggesting that the federation may need to reduce its staff strength to cut operational costs.
“They have too many staff in the NFF,” he said. “During our time, we did not have that large number of workers. They need to do something about it.”
Call for Better Use of FIFA Grants
On the management of funds, Toro urged the NFF to ensure that FIFA grants are directed toward football development projects, while also guaranteeing that players’ allowances and bonuses are paid promptly whenever due.
“Our period was the golden era because we managed our resources very well,” he said. “Sports leaders now will not listen to advice, but we will not stop talking.”
Sani Toro served as Secretary General of the NFF during Nigeria’s celebrated 1994 Golden Generation, working alongside Chairman Colonel Abdul Mumuni Aminu. That era remains one of the most successful in Nigerian football history, marked by the Super Eagles’ second Africa Cup of Nations title and their first ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, achieved despite significant administrative challenges.
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