A fact-finding committee set up to investigate Nigeria’s recent poor performances in international football has alleged that some officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) interfered in player selection and coaching appointments involving the country’s national teams.

The committee’s chairman, Fanny Amun, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while presenting the findings of the panel’s report. Amun later resigned from his position after submitting the document.

The committee was established to identify the underlying causes of Nigeria’s disappointing results in recent competitions, particularly the Super Falcons’ early exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Committee raises concerns over selection process

Amun said the investigation received allegations that some members of the former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee influenced decisions that should ordinarily be handled by the federation’s technical department.

He alleged that some officials were involved in areas such as player selection, recruitment of coaches and other football-related decisions.

According to him, the committee also received claims that agents and intermediaries attempted to influence player selection during national team camps.

However, he said the report did not identify specific individuals because the objective was to address structural challenges within Nigerian football rather than target individuals.

“The committee was not set up for a witch-hunt. Our focus was to identify problems affecting the system and recommend solutions,” Amun said.

Investigation covers governance, finance and development

The committee, inaugurated on August 17 with a 14-day deadline, completed its report after extensive meetings and consultations.

Amun said the panel reviewed several areas, including: Football governance,financial management,technical development,grassroots football,league administration,National team operations.

He said the committee also examined concerns about unequal financial benefits among national team delegations.

According to him, some officials reportedly received daily allowances while players and coaches were not treated equally.

Amun questioned the fairness of such arrangements, saying everyone serving the national team should be considered under a transparent compensation structure.

Super Falcons preparation issues identified

The committee also reviewed Nigeria’s preparation for the 2026 WAFCON tournament.

Amun said the panel found shortcomings in preparation, coordination and management of the team.

He explained that the coach and other officials cited limited friendly matches and late arrival at the tournament venue as some of the challenges affecting performance.

However, the committee believed alternative preparations, including matches against local or lower-ranked opposition, could have been explored.

On defender Ashleigh Plumptre, Amun said investigations confirmed that the player was recovering from surgery and was medically unfit to participate in the tournament.

He said medical reports from Nigerian team doctors and Plumptre’s club supported the findings.

The committee also stated that it found no evidence that players influenced national team selections.

Recommendations for Nigerian football

The panel recommended clearer responsibilities among coaches, technical officials, team secretaries and other members of national team delegations.

It also called for:Earlier preparation for national teams, player selection based on performance and fitness data, improved cooperation between technical and medical departments, better use of technology for player registration and age verification.

On football administration, Amun recommended reforms to the NFF statutes to allow wider participation by stakeholders.

He proposed limiting congress members to a maximum of two terms and creating opportunities for new administrators to contribute to football development.

Calls for stronger league structures

The committee urged improved regulation of domestic competitions, including the:Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL)

Amun said stronger league structures would improve player development, coaching standards, talent identification and funding.

He also recommended that clubs establish youth development programmes, particularly at under-15 and under-18 levels.

Refereeing and sports administration reforms

The committee called for improved training, welfare and international exposure for Nigerian referees, saying poor officiating has affected confidence in domestic competitions.

Amun also advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to focus on policy development, regulation and oversight rather than taking over responsibilities meant for sports federations.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting sports development and encouraging reforms in the sector.

Committee rejects claims of total Super Falcons failure

Despite Nigeria’s inability to retain the WAFCON title, Amun rejected the description of the Super Falcons’ campaign as a complete failure.

He noted that Nigeria remains the most successful nation in the competition’s history, having won the continental title 10 times.

He said the team’s performance should be viewed within the wider context of preparation, management and administrative challenges.

The committee said its recommendations were aimed at rebuilding Nigerian football and creating a stronger system for players, coaches and administrators.

Members of the committee included former international Mutiu Adepoju, former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie, coach Ladan Bosso, Dr Alex Mana and secretary Nasiru Jibril.

Background Information

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is responsible for managing football activities in Nigeria, including national teams, competitions and development programmes.

Nigeria’s national teams have historically enjoyed success, especially the Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football.

However, concerns about football administration, coaching stability, funding, player development and governance have continued to generate debate among supporters and stakeholders.