The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted claims that it plans to modify its statutes during the Annual General Assembly set for September 27 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement released on Thursday, the federation asserted that there are “no plans” to change its governing structure at the meeting, emphasizing that any contrary claims are baseless.
This clarification comes in response to increasing criticism of the federation’s leadership, as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has declared a nationwide boycott of all NFF activities, including the assembly, due to its ongoing exclusion from the NFF Congress.
The NFF announced that a workshop will be held before the assembly on September 26, bringing together representatives from its members, as well as FIFA and CAF officials. The federation stated that this forum will only focus on discussing potential proposals for new statutes that align with global best practices.
”The consultation process is still in its initial stages,” the NFF remarked.
”A General Assembly will only be convened to consider and adopt proposed statutes once a common direction is established with our members.”
Also Read: http://Super Eagles New Injury Blow Shambles World Cup’s Ambitions
The federation reiterated its commitment to due process and transparency, promising to collaborate with FIFA, CAF, and its congress members to ensure that reforms are implemented effectively.
It noted that its long-term goal is to create “robust and enduring statutes” that would enhance governance and improve representation within Nigerian football.
Meanwhile, SWAN has criticized its exclusion from the NFF Congress as “unacceptable and retrogressive,” contending that the sports media plays a crucial role in the development of football.
In a statement signed by its president, Isaiah Benjamin, and secretary-general, Ikenna Okonkwo, the association accused the NFF leadership of marginalizing the press during a time of decline in Nigerian football.
”The ongoing deterioration of Nigerian football stems directly from poor management. It is crucial to put a definitive stop to this alarming trend,” the statement indicated.
SWAN had directed its members to cease participation in all NFF activities, establishing a task force to implement the boycott and vowing to reveal what it termed as “regressive practices” in the governance of the sport.
However, on Thursday evening, the association declared it had eased the nationwide boycott after receiving assurances from the NFF that there were no immediate intentions to revise the statutes at the Ibadan assembly.
