Paul Okoku Calls for Visionary Leadership Ahead of NFF Elections

Posted : 30 June 2026

Former Nigeria international Paul Okoku has called on football stakeholders to prioritise competence, integrity and vision when electing the next president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The United States-based former midfielder made the appeal as discussions continue ahead of the NFF elective congress scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. His comments also come amid growing speculation over the future of current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, with increasing calls from some stakeholders for a change in leadership.

Reports indicate that influential figures within Nigerian football are pushing for the NFF presidency to return to the South after Gusau's tenure. The argument is based on the fact that both the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and the federation's Secretary-General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, are from Nigeria's North-West geopolitical zone.

Rather than focusing on regional considerations, Okoku said the federation needs a leader capable of transforming Nigerian football through sound governance and long-term planning.

According to the former midfielder, Nigeria has never lacked talented footballers but has struggled with consistent leadership, proper structures and accountability. He stressed that the next NFF president must possess the competence, courage and integrity required to restore confidence in the country's football administration.

Okoku also highlighted what he described as a growing trust deficit between football supporters and administrators. He said many Nigerians believe that poor governance, lack of transparency, favouritism and political interference have contributed to the decline of the country's football fortunes.

The former Super Eagles star further warned against interference in national team player selection. He argued that when football officials attempt to influence squad selections or promote players connected to them, merit suffers, coaches lose authority and the overall quality of the national teams declines.

He suggested that Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should serve as an opportunity to reform the football system. In his view, the federation must embrace leadership based on competence rather than political interests if the country is to regain its status among the world's leading football nations.

Okoku also believes former internationals have an important role to play in rebuilding Nigerian football. However, he emphasised that playing experience alone is not enough, insisting that future administrators must combine football knowledge with professionalism, transparency and a commitment to developing the game from the grassroots to the senior national teams.

Attention will now remain on the build-up to September's NFF elections as stakeholders prepare to determine the future leadership of Nigerian football.

Paul Okoku Calls for Visionary Leadership Ahead of NFF Elections

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