NFF Proposes N16.7 Billion for 2024/2025 Season, Stakeholders Urge FA

The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has presented a proposed budget of N16.7 billion for the 2024/2025 football season. This announcement was made during the NFF’s 2024 Congress in Asaba, Delta State. The Congress also reaffirmed its commitment to securing a place for the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This budget proposal comes just weeks after the Lagos State Football Association, under the leadership of Hajji Gafar Liameed, set an unprecedented budget of N3.6 billion during its Annual General Assembly.

In response to the NFF’s proposed budget, football experts and stakeholders have called for transparency and financial integrity. They emphasized that the NFF must be financially prudent to gain the confidence of investors, sponsors, and stakeholders in Nigerian football.

Sports activist Chief Diprieye Thompson applauded Congress for approving the significant budget but stressed the importance of financial responsibility. He also praised the Lagos FA for its effective organizational structure and policies, encouraging other State Football Associations to follow suit by becoming more resourceful and creative in fostering football development and financial independence.

Editorial

The NFF’s proposed N16.7 billion budget for the 2024/2025 season is a critical moment for Nigerian football. While the size of the budget reflects a commitment to growth and development, it also places a significant responsibility on the NFF to manage funds effectively and with transparency. In recent years, the football industry in Nigeria has struggled with issues of trust, particularly when it comes to financial management. This new budget offers an opportunity to build credibility if handled with integrity.

The comparison to the Lagos FA’s N3.6 billion budget underscores the growing recognition that State Football Associations can be independent drivers of football development. The Lagos FA has set a new benchmark for how football organizations should operate, combining professionalism with a strong financial base. This approach not only supports the development of the sport but also attracts investment from the corporate world, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.

The message from stakeholders is clear: the NFF and all football bodies in Nigeria must be accountable for their actions. With the right leadership, prudent financial management, and a focus on transparency, Nigerian football can continue to grow, ultimately securing a place for the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup.

Did You Know?

1. The Nigeria Football Federation NFF is responsible for overseeing the development of football at all levels in Nigeria, including the national teams.
2. The proposed N16.7 billion budget for the 2024/2025 season is aimed at various football programs, including grassroots development and international competitions.
3. Lagos State FA’s N3.6 billion budget marks one of the highest financial commitments ever made by a state football association in Nigeria.
4. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Nigeria aims to qualify for this tournament.
5. Transparency in sports governance has become a growing concern globally, with organizations being called upon to manage funds responsibly to attract investors and maintain stakeholder trust.