Building from the Ground Up: NFF Reaffirms Focus on Grassroots Football

Posted : 20 June 2025

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has reaffirmed the Federation’s unwavering commitment to grassroots football development, describing it as the only sustainable path to long-term growth in the sport.

Speaking at the monthly Nigeria National League (NNL) Awards ceremony held in Abuja, Gusau emphasized that meaningful development must begin at the foundational level.

“You cannot build an edifice from the rooftop,” he stated. “One of the core commitments of my administration is to rejuvenate grassroots football and its supporting leagues, which we recognize as the bedrock of Nigeria’s football future.”

He noted that after two and a half years in office, tangible progress has been made. “By the end of our tenure, Nigerians will witness even greater improvements and positive transformations within the domestic league system,” Gusau added.

The NFF president also highlighted a major milestone achieved under his leadership—the alignment of Nigeria’s football calendar with the global football calendar.

“This season marks the first time we have successfully synchronized our league schedule with international standards—something many thought was impossible,” he said.

This achievement, he noted, extends beyond the top-tier men’s league and also includes the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).

Gusau expressed confidence in the continued development of the domestic game, citing ongoing reforms and a strategic focus on infrastructure and administrative excellence.

The NNL Awards, which celebrate outstanding performances within the Nigeria National League, aim to foster a culture of excellence and healthy competition among players, coaches, and teams across the country.

Key dignitaries present at the occasion included NFF 2nd Vice President and NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adeyinka Adeboye; NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo; NNL CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Attah; former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun (MON); and Chairman of FCT FA, Hon. Abba Mouktar Mohammed.

Also in attendance were representatives of the National Sports Commission, the NFF Referees Committee, and other notable stakeholders, including Dr. Ademola Olajire (NFF Director of Media & Communications), Hon. Sani Zubairu (NRA President), and Madam Faith Irabor (Chairperson, NFF Referees Committee).

Building from the Ground Up: NFF Reaffirms Focus on Grassroots Football

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has reaffirmed the Federation’s unwavering commitment to grassroots football development, describing it as the only sustainable path to long-term growth in the sport.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics