At the publicised FIFA meeting with Nigerian stakeholders, congress members and other associations took turns presenting and discussing with the world governing body’s team to reshape the future of Nigerian football.
The State Football Association Chairmen presented their Reform Framework Papers to FIFA, pushing for a Congress-led Caretaker Committee to stabilise the federation, review the statutes and conduct fresh elections.
The world football governing body also met with the disbanded NFF Electoral Committee members.
At the NSC office, chairman Shehu Dikko gave insights on how far the local dialogue has gone and the issues FIFA and CAF will look into.
“The only point of departure is the fact that what vehicle can we use to drive the reforms. It is not out of our hands, not out of the hands of the stakeholders. FIFA will assess, CAF will assess, and decide what is the legality of the reforms based on the issues.”
According to available information, FIFA will review all presentations and decide as soon as possible.
Also on the sidelines, the National Sports Commission and the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria held a meeting to discuss football Reform.
Coach Dr. Isah Ladan Bosso made a presentation to the FIFA Delegates on behalf of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA).
FIFA meeting with Nigerian stakeholders: PFAN/NANPF Drama
However, there was drama with the players’ union, with last-minute revocation and selection of a faction to represent.
PFAN members, including Tijani Babangida and Harrison Jalla, represented the players’ union after the NFF allegedly revoked the accreditation of the NANPF faction led by Austin Popo.
Despite the revocation, NANPF successfully submitted a comprehensive 90-page dossier directly to the FIFA delegation.
Also, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria was at the event with a position paper on the issues of Nigerian football and its role.
The event happened under the close watch of security agencies, ensuring only authorized guests attended the meeting.