Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Sani Abdullahi Lulu has clarified his decision not to sign a position paper submitted by former NFF administrators to the visiting FIFA and CAF delegation in Abuja. Lulu stated that he declined to endorse the document because he was not given the opportunity to scrutinize its contents or contribute to its recommendations before it was presented. He had been informed that former NFF officials would meet to agree on a common position before meeting the FIFA and CAF delegation.
According to Lulu, the arrangement changed without his involvement, and he was later informed that the group had reached a decision and wanted him to endorse it. He claimed that he was sent only the final page of the document, which already contained the signatures of most participants. Lulu expressed concerns about the process, particularly the exclusion of former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and former secretary-general Mohammed Sanusi, who had resigned from their positions on August 27.
A former NFF secretary-general, who attended the meeting but requested anonymity, disputed Lulu's account, insisting that the former president was fully briefed and carried along. The former official claimed that the joint paper was sent to Lulu on September 11 and again on September 13 for his perusal and possible input. He also alleged that Lulu had initially promised to sign the document after presenting his views to the FIFA and CAF delegation but later declined to endorse it.
The proposed reform paper reportedly called for a six-month Normalisation Committee to overhaul football administration before fresh elections, alongside changes to the NFF Congress and wider representation for leagues, players, coaches, referees, and grassroots stakeholders. Lulu suggested that FIFA and CAF should first establish directly from Gusau why he resigned before considering any Normalisation Committee.
Lulu drew parallels with his own controversial exit from the NFF presidency, recalling that he resisted pressure from government officials to resign and later challenged an attempted removal through the courts. He stated that he had told the former secretaries and Maigari that he was not in support of the procedure they had taken. Lulu's concerns centered on the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the reform process.
The former NFF president also rejected suggestions that his refusal to sign was motivated by a desire to return as NFF president. Lulu maintained that his decision was based on the flawed process and the need for a more inclusive and transparent approach to reforming the NFF. His stance has sparked a debate about the future of Nigerian football administration.
The FIFA and CAF governance assessment delegation had been conducting consultations in Abuja as part of their oversight role. The outcome of their assessment and the implementation of the proposed reforms remain to be seen. Lulu's comments have highlighted the complexities and challenges involved in reforming the NFF and the need for a more collaborative and transparent approach.
Key points
- Lulu declined to sign the reform paper due to the flawed process and lack of inclusiveness.
- The proposed reform paper calls for a six-month Normalisation Committee and changes to the NFF Congress.
- Lulu's refusal to sign has sparked a debate about the future of Nigerian football administration.
