On Monday, it will be two years since Ibrahim Gusau mounted the saddle of leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. By then, he would have hit the halfway mark of a four-year tenure. Views on football administration in the past two years and projections of the future are welcome.

Abimbola Olawale makes an independent analysis of the tenure of the 35^th man to lead the 91-year-old football body which erroneously believes it was founded in 1945.

Ibrahim Musa Gusau’s administration of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) marks a significant chapter in Nigerian football history.

Upon his election as NFF president on 30 September 2022, Gusau inherited a federation rife with controversies, financial challenges, and underperformance in international competitions.

 His leadership brought with it fresh perspectives, strategic thinking, and a people-oriented approach to governance. Over time, the positive impacts of his administration began to manifest, transforming various aspects of Nigerian football and the administrative structure of the NFF.

His two years in office is fostering development at the grassroots level to improve transparency, accountability, and the performance of Nigerian football teams on the global stage.

One of the cornerstones of his administration has been the prioritization of grassroots football development. He recognized that the future of Nigerian football depends on a robust foundation, which can only be achieved by nurturing young talents from an early age.

Gusau’s administration made deliberate efforts to revive and promote youth football across the country, ensuring that promising players receive the right training and exposure.

For the first time ever, Nigeria participated in the CAF secondary school football tournament for both boys and girls, they also collaborated with the Universal Secondary Education Board in order to discover these youths in the schools.

Through partnerships with state football associations, his administration created an enabling environment for the thriving of several youth leagues and academy programs at the local level.  

This initiative has enabled thousands of young footballers to showcase their talents, with a structured pathway for advancement into the professional ranks.

The promotion of school football competitions at both primary and secondary levels has also been instrumental in identifying and nurturing young players.

These grassroots efforts have begun to pay off, with several young talents emerging and being scouted by local and international clubs.

Gusau’s administration facilitated better access to football scholarships and international trials for young Nigerian players, ensuring that the country’s football future remains bright.

He made it a priority to restore public confidence by introducing transparent financial management practices and auditing processes.

His administration established mechanisms to ensure that funds allocated to the NFF were properly utilized for their intended purposes, especially in football development and team support.

One of the key initiatives was the adoption of an open accounting system where financial transactions were made public, allowing stakeholders, including fans and media, to monitor how funds were being spent.

This move not only boosted confidence among sponsors and partners but also reduced corruption and mismanagement within the federation.   Furthermore, Gusau’s administration implemented cost-saving measures, ensuring that funds were redirected to critical areas, such as player welfare,  and training facilities.

With improved financial accountability, the NFF  secured more corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and funding from international football bodies like FIFA and CAF.

These resources have significantly contributed to the federation’s activities, providing much-needed support for the various national teams

Under Gusau’s leadership, women’s football in Nigeria witnessed a significant resurgence. He has actively worked to elevate the status of women’s football, ensuring that female players receive the same attention, resources, and support as their male counterparts.

There is the revitalization of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) as Gusau’s administration, in collaboration with stakeholders introduced reforms that improved the organization and professionalism of the league.

These changes attracted effective media coverage of women’s football increased, giving female footballers more visibility and opportunities.

Gusau’s administration also ensured that the women’s national team, the Super Falcons, received adequate preparation for international competitions. In 2023, the Super Falcons delivered an outstanding performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the knock-out stages and cementing Nigeria’s place as a powerhouse in African and global women’s football.

The team’s success is a direct result of improved training facilities, better remuneration for players, and the hiring of experienced technical staff, all spearheaded by Gusau’s administration.

Another critical area where Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has made a significant impact is in player and coach welfare.

For years, Nigerian footballers had struggled with issues such as unpaid wages, inadequate accommodation, and substandard travel arrangements. These challenges had a demotivating effect on players, often resulting in subpar performances in international competitions.

Gusau tackled these issues head-on by prioritizing the welfare of players and technical staff. His administration ensured that players’ allowances, bonuses, and salaries were paid on time, eliminating the frequent  protests that had plagued previous NFF administrations.

He also worked with the Nigerian government and private sponsors to improve accommodation, travel arrangements, and medical care for national team players and coaching staff.

Moreover, Gusau’s administration took steps to give incentives to players and coaches by introducing performance-based bonuses and awards. This move has motivated players to give their best in every game, resulting in improved performances from both the men’s and women’s national teams. Coaches have also benefited from these reforms, with many receiving specialized training courses and international exposure to stay updated with modern coaching techniques.

The improved infrastructure has not only enhanced the quality of football in Nigeria but also increased the country’s chances of hosting international tournaments.

One of the most visible areas where Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has made a positive impact is the performance of Nigeria’s national teams in international competitions.

When he took over as NFF president, Nigeria’s football teams had been struggling to perform at the highest levels, with disappointing results in tournaments such as the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers.

Gusau’s leadership brought a renewed sense of focus and discipline to the national teams. He appointed experienced coaches and technical staff, ensuring that the teams were well-prepared for competitions.

Additionally, his administration worked to resolve internal conflicts within the teams, fostering unity and a winning mentality among the players.

As a result, Nigeria’s national teams have seen a resurgence in form. The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s men’s national team, have improved their performances in AFCON qualifiers and friendly matches, regaining their status as one of Africa’s top football teams.

Similarly, the women’s national team, the Super Falcons, impressed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as mentioned earlier, reaching the knock-out stages and earning praise for their determination and skill.

Gusau’s administration also focused on building strong relationships with international football governing bodies such as FIFA, CAF and other national football associations.

These partnerships have been instrumental in securing funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building opportunities for the NFF and Nigerian football as a whole.

One of the significant achievements in this area was Nigeria’s increased participation in FIFA and CAF programs, including those aimed at developing football infrastructure, women’s football, and youth football. Gusau’s administration ensured that Nigeria remained active in these global and continental initiatives, which brought various benefits, including access to international grants and expertise.

Additionally, Gusau’s administration played a key role in advocating for Nigerian referees and officials to be recognized and included in international tournaments. This has helped raise the profile of Nigerian football officials, with more of them being appointed to officiate at CAF and FIFA qualifying matches. They efforts are been intensified to ensure that they are at the FIFA World Cup and AFCON.

Corporate sponsorship has long been a challenge for the NFF, with inconsistent support from private sector partners in previous administrations. Gusau’s administration tackled this issue by fostering a business-friendly environment and engaging potential sponsors through strategic partnerships.

Through effective media engagement and public relations campaigns, the NFF under Gusau succeeded in attracting major corporate sponsors for the national teams and the domestic leagues. These sponsorships provided much-needed financial support for player development, team preparation, and general football administration. The partnerships have also extended to broadcasting rights, with more Nigerian football matches being televised, increasing the visibility and commercial appeal of the sport.

Ibrahim Gusau’s administration has undoubtedly made a lasting positive impact on the Nigerian Football Federation and the nation’s football landscape as a whole. His focus on grassroots development, transparency, player

Abimbola Olawale is a freelance journalist and a football stakeholder based in Abuja.

*Other views are welcome.