GOMBE, Aug. 15, 2025 – Former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association and Gombe United FC, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent performance of Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles, attributing their 4-0 defeat to Sudan to systemic rot in the Nigerian football league.
In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, Gombe said he had anticipated the team’s poor outing, citing previous concerns shared with a football official.
“I expected the loss, having earlier expressed my lack of confidence in the team and its technical crew,” he said.
Gombe noted that Nigeria’s football development should be far ahead of Sudan’s, describing the loss as unacceptable.
While defending the current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership under Ibrahim Gusau, he blamed the decay in Nigerian football on years of corruption under former administrators, particularly Amaju Pinnick and Shehu Dikko.
“The rot began under previous leadership. Corruption under Pinnick and Dikko destroyed Nigerian football and our league system,” Gombe stated.
He said the tenure of late Chief Oyuki Obaseki and his contemporaries such as Davidson Owumi and Ramson Baribote tried to stabilize the league, but their efforts were later undone.
“Shehu Dikko’s leadership, in particular, dismantled the foundation of the league,” he added.
Gombe, who also chairs the Gombe State Athletics Association, criticized the appointment of Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, warning it may lead to “further havoc” in the system.
He also faulted the selection of the CHAN squad, saying it was not a true representation of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), and lamented the growing influence of betting companies, match agents, and powerful individuals in player selection.
“A coach even told me he was offered $20,000 to invite a player to camp,” he revealed.
On refereeing, Gombe highlighted the absence of Nigerian officials at the CHAN tournament as a national embarrassment.
“Out of 70 referees selected across Africa, not a single Nigerian made the cut. That speaks volumes,” he said.
He accused the leadership of the Nigeria Referees Association of lacking merit and integrity, stating that a deputy chairman had made “uninformed remarks” about his career in football.
Gombe also criticized the appointment of Gbenga Elegbeleye as NPFL Chairman, noting he was not elected as stipulated in the league’s regulations. However, he said Elegbeleye and NFF President Gusau should not be blamed for problems that began over a decade ago.
He urged the media to play a more objective role in reporting sports issues, rather than aiding cover-ups or promoting vested interests.
“We, the press, also have a role in this crisis. Objectivity must take priority over personal gain,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader state of football administration in Nigeria, Gombe condemned the continued political elevation of individuals he believes were responsible for football’s decline.
“It is shameful that despite Amaju Pinnick’s tenure being disastrous, he now holds an executive role in CAF and even at FIFA,” he said.
Gombe concluded by urging current administrators to focus on rebuilding the sport, free from political influence and corruption.
