NFF, FIFA Conclude Abuja Workshop on Nigeria’s Amateur Football Development

Posted : 21 August 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA have concluded a two-day workshop on Nigeria’s amateur football environment in Abuja. The programme focused on the findings of FIFA’s Amateur Football Environment Report and ways to improve the grassroots game in Nigeria.

The workshop was held at the Sandralia Hotel in Wuye on Wednesday and Thursday. FIFA Regional Technical Consultant Etienne Sockeng and Amateur Football Analysis Manager Amr Moheb led the presentation and analysis of the report.

The report is the result of a multi-year assessment by FIFA’s Global Football Development Division in collaboration with the NFF. The project is designed to give member associations a clearer picture of their amateur football structures, activities and development needs. Similar FIFA workshops have been conducted in other member associations during 2026, including India, Qatar and Guyana.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau declared the Abuja workshop open and urged participants to focus on how the information could be converted into practical improvements. He was joined by NFF Second Vice President and NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, Executive Committee member Nse Essien and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.

The first phase involved the NFF Executive Committee, management and staff. The second day brought together a wider group of stakeholders from government, education, leagues, clubs, academies and football development bodies. The National Sports Commission, Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria Olympic Committee, National Institute for Sports, coaches, referees and school football organisations were among the groups listed for participation.

The FIFA experts used presentations, comparisons and practical group exercises to examine Nigeria’s amateur football landscape. The sessions also considered experiences from other FIFA member associations as a basis for identifying areas where Nigeria can improve its grassroots structure.

NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen presented an overview of amateur football in Nigeria. Deputy Technical Director and TMS Manager Nasiru Jibril also contributed to the technical discussions.

The emphasis on amateur football comes as FIFA continues its global analysis of the grassroots game. The wider initiative has examined amateur football systems across member associations to support better planning, participation and development pathways.

For Nigeria, the workshop provides a platform for the NFF and its partners to assess existing structures and identify priorities for the next phase of grassroots development. The focus now shifts towards using the findings to strengthen participation, development programmes and coordination across the amateur football ecosystem.

NFF, FIFA Conclude Abuja Workshop on Nigeria’s Amateur Football Development

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