The Nigeria Football Federation has retreated from plans to amend its statutes at today’s Annual General Assembly in Ibadan, following fierce resistance from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau’s federation issued a statement on Thursday denying any intention to alter its governing framework at the September 27 meeting, describing reports to the contrary as “unfounded”.
The dramatic reversal comes after SWAN launched a nationwide boycott of all NFF activities, accusing the football body of excluding journalists from its Congress whilst presiding over Nigerian football’s decline.
“The consultation process is still at an early stage,” the NFF conceded in its statement. “Only after a common direction is agreed with our members may a General Assembly be convened specifically to consider and adopt proposed statutes.”
The federation had initially planned a workshop on September 26, bringing together member representatives alongside FIFA and CAF officials to discuss potential statute changes aligned with global best practices.
SWAN had earlier condemned its exclusion from the NFF Congress as “unacceptable and retrogressive”, with President Isaiah Benjamin and Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo arguing that sporting media plays a vital role in football development.
“The continued decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend,” SWAN stated, instructing members to withdraw from all NFF activities.
The association established a task force to enforce the boycott and promised to expose what it termed “backward practices” in football management.
However, following the NFF’s Thursday evening clarification, SWAN relaxed its boycott stance. Benjamin described the development as “a fresh opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue for the overall good of Nigerian football”.
The SWAN president emphasised the association’s commitment to pushing for media constituency recognition within NFF structures, whilst embracing dialogue “where sincerity and transparency are evident”.
“SWAN’s ultimate concern is the development and credibility of Nigerian football,” Benjamin stressed. “We are optimistic both bodies can now work together in good faith to advance reforms that will guarantee inclusivity and restore public confidence in the governance of Nigerian football.”
The NFF has pledged to work with FIFA, CAF and Congress members to ensure any future reforms follow proper procedures, aiming to establish “robust and enduring statutes” that strengthen governance and improve representation.
