By Victor Okoye
Abuja, March 26, 2026 (NAN) Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Athletics and Other Sports Commission, an NGO that advocates for accountability and transparency in sports, has reacted to the News Agency of Nigeria (NFF) Congress vote of confidence in its leadership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a vote of confidence was passed on the NFF Executive Committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau, at an Extraordinary General Assembly held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Monday, citing strides in football development nationwide.
The NFF also approved amendments to its statutes and electoral framework, fixing Sept. 26 for its elective congress.
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.
Gombe said the endorsement of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and his team at the Yenagoa congress was expected and within stakeholders’ constitutional rights.
“The congress acted within its powers. A vote of confidence is normal in football administration and should not generate unnecessary controversy,” he said.
He noted that such endorsements were not new, stressing that previous NFF administrations also received similar backing despite criticisms during their tenure.
“There is nothing extraordinary about this decision. It has happened before, and it will continue to happen in football governance,” Gombe added.
Gombe argued that allegations against the current NFF leadership were overstated, comparing them with what he described as more serious issues under past administrations.
“Whatever shortcomings exist today are minimal compared to what Nigerian football witnessed in previous regimes,” he said.
He referenced the tenure of former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, noting that a vote of confidence was also passed during that period.
“Why the outrage now? The same stakeholders supported past leadership despite evident challenges. We must be consistent in our judgments,” Gombe stated.
He criticised what he described as selective criticism, questioning the silence of many stakeholders during earlier administrations.
“Where were these critics when decisions that affected Nigerian football negatively were taken years ago?” he asked.
Gombe also raised concerns about the role of the current National Sports Commission leadership in driving meaningful reforms.
“Leadership change alone will not fix systemic problems. Without structural reforms, we are only recycling the same issues,” he said.
He insisted that calls for the removal of the current NFF leadership lacked clear alternatives and long-term planning.
“You cannot demand change without presenting a credible roadmap. Football development requires continuity and structure,” Gombe noted.
The sports administrator faulted some former players calling for reforms, accusing them of inconsistency and silence in the past.
“Some ex-internationals speaking today were quiet for years. Reform should not be based on convenience or sentiment,” he said.
Gombe cited the case of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, questioning the role of senior players during past controversies.
“When critical issues arose, many influential voices chose silence. That is why today’s sudden activism raises questions,” he added.
He also expressed disappointment over earlier solidarity visits to sports administrators, noting that they yielded little impact.
“Public endorsements and media appearances cannot replace genuine reforms. The problems in Nigerian sports run deeper,” Gombe said.
Gombe stressed that reforms should cut across all sports federations, including basketball and athletics, where governance challenges persist.
“This is not just about football. The entire sports system requires restructuring and accountability,” he stated.
He called for a comprehensive probe into past football administrations to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Until we investigate previous tenures thoroughly, the cycle of mismanagement will continue,” Gombe said.
The former Chairman of United Football Club also criticised former players who met President Bola Tinubu in 2023, alleging they failed to present actionable plans.
“They had an opportunity to outline a roadmap but came without clear proposals. That engagement achieved little,” he said.
He described recent calls for leadership change as lacking credibility, insisting that genuine reform must be systematic and inclusive.
“Change is not about replacing individuals; it is about fixing institutions and processes,” Gombe added.
The former Chairman of Gombe State Football Association emphasised that football development is a gradual process that requires planning, patience and consistent implementation.
“No serious football nation builds success overnight. It takes time, structure and commitment to achieve results,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the NFF Congress acted within its rights to support its leadership, urging stakeholders to avoid selective narratives.
“Let us stop selective criticism and focus on building a transparent and accountable sports system,” Gombe said.
Gombe urged the National Sports Commission to lead reforms by strengthening governance structures and ensuring accountability.
“Reform must start from the top, with proper oversight and responsible management of public resources,” he concluded. (NAN)
