- Says unverified claims of presidential endorsement, corruption allegations threaten electoral process
The Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG) has called for a free, fair and peaceful Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Elective Congress, warning aspirants and their supporters against ethnic campaigns, unverified claims of presidential endorsement and attempts to drag the federation into avoidable disputes ahead of the September 27 election in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The group, in a statement signed by its National President, Kamaldeen Adefila Esq. on Thursday, said it was closely monitoring developments ahead of the congress and would continue to speak out wherever the integrity of football governance in Nigeria is threatened.
According to the organisation, while Nigerians are still disappointed by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ inability to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 edition, such concerns should not be exploited for personal advantage in the contest for leadership of the country’s football governing body.
CSNGG said it had observed the early emergence of tactics that have little to do with the competence, vision and track record of candidates seeking to lead Nigerian football.
The group specifically identified what it described as the introduction of ethnic sentiments into the race, the circulation of unverified claims of endorsement by the Presidency, and the spread of unverified allegations relating to federation projects and finances.
It alleged that some of the claims were being deployed to generate public outrage and draw anti-corruption agencies into the electoral contest.
“The introduction of ethnic appeals into a contest that ought to be decided on competence and track record” and “the circulation, by certain aspirants and their supporters, of unverified claims of personal endorsement by the Presidency” were among the concerns highlighted by the group.
CSNGG also frowned at what it described as the “scattering of unverified figures and allegations concerning federation projects and finances, timed for maximum public alarm rather than genuine accountability.”
The organisation warned that attempts to use the courts to halt or overturn the congress could have grave consequences for Nigerian football.
It noted that such actions risk triggering sanctions from FIFA under its statutes, a development that could affect players, coaches, administrators and supporters across the country.
“Signals of intent to approach the courts to stall or upturn the Congress outright, a path that, however framed, risks triggering suspension of the Nigeria Football Federation by FIFA under its Statutes, a consequence that would harm every player, coach, official and fan in the country, regardless of who wins the leadership contest,” the statement added.
The group urged aspirants to campaign strictly on their records and vision for the development of football, insisting that elections should be won on ideas rather than fear, propaganda or divisive narratives.
“A federation election is not strengthened by fear, and Nigerian football does not need another self-inflicted wound,” it stated.
CSNGG further maintained that anyone with credible evidence of financial impropriety within the federation should submit such information through formal and verifiable channels to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies rather than circulate allegations for political advantage.
The group also acknowledged reports of planned protests around the congress period, affirming the right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and expression, while cautioning against any attempt to use protests to pressure delegates or disrupt the democratic process provided under the NFF Statutes.
On the state of Nigerian football, the organisation commended what it described as the cordial relationship within the current NFF Executive Committee and praised the technical progress recorded under Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
It noted that Chelle inherited a qualification campaign with three points from four matches and improved it to a return of fourteen points from eighteen.
CSNGG added that Nigeria’s football challenge has never been a shortage of talent, pointing out that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman emerged as the last two African Footballers of the Year.
“What Nigerian football needs from this Congress is stability, continuity of genuine reform, and a leadership contest fought and won on ideas,” the group said.
The organisation called on the National Sports Commission and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all contestants, while urging the media and the public to treat claims of endorsement, corruption and other allegations with caution until verified by credible and identifiable sources.
It also advised all parties to resolve disputes through the internal mechanisms provided by the NFF Statutes as well as CAF and FIFA frameworks, rather than resorting to litigation.
CSNGG pledged to continue monitoring the electoral process and vowed to speak up “without fear or favour” wherever the integrity of football governance is at stake.