By VICTOR OKOYE

The Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts (ANFRC) has rejected recent purported amendments to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) statutes, describing them as cosmetic and unacceptable.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NFF on Monday approved amendments to its statutes and electoral framework, fixing Sept. 26 for its elective congress.

The decisions were taken at an Extraordinary General Assembly held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

The Congress unanimously endorsed revisions to the NFF Statutes (March 2026 Edition), Electoral Code and Standing Orders, aimed at strengthening governance and transparency.

It also ratified a 12-member Electoral Committee and Appeals Committee drawn from six geopolitical zones, to be inaugurated on March 25 in Abuja.

ANFRC Chairman, Harrison Jalla, told NAN on Tuesday that the development in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, cannot stand, alleging manipulation by State Football Association chairmen.

Jalla commended the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, for what he described as a brilliant intervention, stressing that Nigerian football remained a critical national asset.

He accused some football administrators of attempting to retain control through alleged vote allocation and expansion of congress membership, warning that stakeholders would resist such practices.

“We reject these amendments in their entirety. Nigerian football cannot continue to be run in an outdated and self-serving manner,” Jalla said.

He added that stakeholders would continue to challenge the process publicly until relevant authorities intervened to ensure transparency and accountability.

Jalla criticised the NFF leadership over past performances, noting that Nigeria missed two consecutive FIFA World Cups within the last 12 years.

“Those responsible for these failures should apologise to Nigerians and step aside instead of sustaining the same system,” he said.

He warned that continued inaction by authorities could lead to wider discontent among stakeholders, insisting that reforms must be urgently implemented.

Jalla referenced a Court of Appeal judgment which set aside the Sept. 30, 2022 NFF election, questioning the legitimacy of current leadership decisions.

“The law must prevail. We cannot allow impunity and mediocrity to define the future of Nigerian football,” he said.

He maintained that the decisions taken in Bayelsa were of no consequence and would not be recognised by reform advocates.

Jalla called for credible leadership capable of attracting both government and private sector support to reposition Nigerian football.

“Nigerians deserve better results and a transparent system free from corruption and incompetence,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to take decisive action, including dissolving the current board and allowing due judicial processes to run their course.

“The integrity of our football must be restored. We will pursue all lawful means to ensure this happens,” Jalla said. (NAN)