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ABUJA, Nigeria — President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to grassroots football development, describing it as the only sustainable path to long-term growth in Nigerian football.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Monthly Awards ceremony in Abuja, Gusau emphasized that no one can build an edifice from the rooftop, stressing the need to fortify the foundations of the game through investment in youth and lower-tier leagues.
“One of the core goals of my administration is to reinvigorate grassroots football and strengthen our domestic leagues because they form the bedrock of the sport in Nigeria,” Gusau said. “We are beginning to see tangible results after two-and-a-half years, and by the end of our tenure, we believe Nigerians will witness even greater progress in the local game.”
He also highlighted the significance of the NNL Awards, noting that such recognition serves as a powerful incentive for players, coaches, and officials to strive for excellence. “These awards are key to encouraging performance and professionalism across the board,” he said.
Gusau further celebrated a major milestone under his leadership — the successful alignment of Nigeria’s football calendar with the global football schedule, a development he described as historic.
“This is the first time we’ve harmonized our season with international calendars. It’s not just about the NPFL; we’ve also brought the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) in line with global standards,” he added.
The NNL Awards, which spotlight outstanding achievements in Nigeria’s second-tier league, are part of a broader effort by the NFF to elevate local football and promote a culture of excellence.
The ceremony attracted notable figures in Nigerian football, including NFF 2nd Vice President and NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adeyinka Adeboye; NNL Chairman Chief George Aluo; NNL CEO Emmanuel Attah; former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun (MON); FCT FA Chairman Hon. Abba Mouktar Mohammed; and representatives of the National Sports Commission.
Also in attendance were NFF Director of Media & Communications Dr. Ademola Olajire, NRA President Hon. Sani Zubairu, NFF Referees Committee Chair Faith Irabor, and NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana.
