By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
The race for leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2026 elective congress, with presidential aspirant David Doherty outlining an ambitious reform agenda aimed at overhauling the country’s football structure.
The NFF has confirmed that its elective congress will be held on 26 September 2026 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where a new Executive Committee will be elected for the 2026–2030 term. Electoral and Appeals Committees have already been inaugurated, formally setting the process in motion and placing the spotlight on potential contenders.
### Doherty Pushes Grassroots-Driven Reform
In an exclusive interview, Doherty emphasised the need for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigerian football, beginning at the grassroots and extending to the national teams.
“A comprehensive reform will help the nation tap budding talents at the grassroots level for our national teams,” he said, pointing to the need for a clear developmental pathway capable of identifying and nurturing talent across the country.
Beyond player development, he highlighted infrastructure as a critical area requiring urgent attention, noting that many stadiums across Nigeria have fallen into disrepair.
“It is also going to help revamp all the abandoned football stadiums and pave the way for proper maintenance of all our facilities in the future,” he added.
Doherty also called for significant amendments to the NFF statutes, arguing that the current framework should go beyond regulating elections to address broader football governance issues.
“A well-amended statute will not only allow the smooth running of our football activities, it will also enable us to organise a free and fair election,” he said. “New candidates will have a sense of belonging because the statute will give all candidates equal rights before and during the election.”
His comments reflect longstanding concerns about governance, transparency and inclusivity within Nigerian football administration—issues that have frequently shaped previous election cycles.
While the election date is confirmed, the process remains in its early stages. The official list of cleared candidates has yet to be released, with nominations and screening expected in the coming months.
The process is likely to mirror previous cycles, including the 2022 election, when multiple candidates contested for the presidency, underscoring the competitive nature of NFF leadership battles.
The upcoming vote carries significant weight, as the NFF oversees all aspects of football in Nigeria—from grassroots programmes to elite national teams such as the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.
With increasing global scrutiny from bodies like FIFA and CAF, the next administration will be expected to address key challenges, including player development, infrastructure deficits, league organisation and financial transparency.
As campaigning gradually intensifies, Doherty’s early declaration and reform-focused message position him as one of the first voices shaping the narrative of the 2026 race.
Whether his proposals gain traction remains to be seen, but the broader contest is already emerging as a defining moment for Nigerian football—one that could determine not only leadership, but the direction of the game for years to come.
Leave feedback about this