NFF congress okays N17.6 billion budget for 2025

 

ASABA – The General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has approved a  budget proposal of N17.6 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

The NFF made the approval in Asaba during its annual congress.  The congress also decided to support effort by former NFF President Amaju Pinnick to retain his seat in the council of the Federation of International Football, FIFA.

The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the continued tremendous support from the Federal Government for the Federation, and more particularly the National Teams. He emphasized the crucial role the government plays in the Federation’s financial sustainability, and equally appreciated the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh for his support to the NFF.

The Congress acknowledged the Federal Government’s expectation for the Super Eagles qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Congress assured the government of its commitment to ensuring that necessary preparations are made to meet these objectives, while urging the Executive Committee of the NFF to prioritize decisions that will further develop Nigeria football.

The Congress commended Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for their ongoing support for Nigeria football, particularly their hosting of the NFF Annual General Assembly 2024 at very short notice.

The Congress lauded the efforts of Nigeria’s national teams, especially the Super Eagles for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ silver-medal feat and the Super Falcons for their participation in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years.

The Congress endorsed the quest of Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to retain his seat on the FIFA Council – the supreme governing organ for football globally.  The NFF’s Financial Statements for the Year ended 2024 was approved.

The Congress emphasized the need for the NFF Executive committee to prioritize grassroots football and talent discovery nationwide, in alignment with FIFA’s vision for global football growth. It committed to backing initiatives that promote infrastructural development, refereeing capacity enhancement (especially for the young talents) and coaching courses.

The Congress acknowledged the progress made so far by the NFF Executive Committee towards prioritizing the FIFA-initiated amendments to the NFF Statutes 2010, and assured that the concerns of Nigerians will be addressed when the amendment is concluded.  The Congress noted that an Extraordinary General Assembly will be convened at an appropriate time to consider the amendments of the NFF Statutes in due course.

The Congress approved a one-year extension to the tenure of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the NFF’s external auditors and commiserated with H.E. Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State and H.E. Silas Agara, NFF Executive Committee member on the demise of their wives. Congress also expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and late Rt. Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.

The Congress commended the progress made in the various leagues and urged the league bodies, referees’ Association and Football Associations in the States and the FCT to enhance officiating standards to foster a vibrant and competitive league system. The Congress called on state governments to improve football infrastructure in their States.

A unanimous vote of confidence was passed on the leadership of the NFF Executive Committee, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON for their ongoing efforts in promoting football development across Nigeria.