Nigeria’s five major football supporters’ clubs have called for formal recognition as stakeholders in the administration and development of the country’s football.
The demand comes as discussions continue over proposed reforms within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the supporters’ groups insisting that they should not be treated merely as spectators.
The position was contained in a joint communiqué issued by the presidents of the five groups following a meeting at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The organisations involved are the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Super Eagles Supporters Club, Football Fans Club of Nigeria, All Sports Supporters Club and Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club.
The supporters’ clubs commended President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Sports Commission for the ongoing efforts to reform and reposition Nigerian football.
They said they supported genuine reforms but stressed that the process must be broad-based and involve all recognised stakeholders in the sport.
One of their major demands is a review of the NFF Statute to clearly establish the rights, responsibilities and representation of supporters’ clubs within football administration.
They also called for the restoration of what they described as their legitimate representation in the NFF Electoral Congress.
According to the groups, supporters are an important part of the football ecosystem and should have a defined role in decisions affecting the development of the sport.
Beyond their call for institutional recognition, the supporters’ clubs agreed to restructure their own organisations to improve coordination and strengthen their contribution to Nigerian football.
A four-member Constitution Drafting Committee was consequently established and tasked with producing a new constitution within one month.
The group also constituted an Electoral Committee to organise elections for the supporters’ clubs. The committee has been given three months to conduct what the organisations described as a credible, free and fair election scheduled for the first week of December 2026.
The supporters’ clubs reiterated their backing for genuine reforms within Nigerian football and urged other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the process produces lasting improvements.
They said a coordinated approach involving all relevant groups would be essential to improving the performance of Nigeria’s national teams and advancing the development of football in the country.
