By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Apparently dissatisfied with the structural defects in the development and management of football in Nigeria, renowned FIFA licensed intermediary, Ayodele Thomas, has tasked the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko to urgently embark on structural reforms that will reposition Nigerian football for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and commercial viability.
Thomas, who is the chairman of a sports business outfit, TopPro Management, and also a FIFA licensed football agent, made this call in an open letter written to the NSC boss titled:Strategic Reforms for Sustainable Football Development in Nigeria
The letter sighted by Prompt News at the weekend read in part:
“Dear Mallam Shehu Dikko,
I respectfully present this appeal to highlight a critical and urgent need for structural reforms that will reposition Nigerian football for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and commercial viability.
For decades, football has remained the most unifying sport in our nation, yet its development has been constrained by governance models that no longer align with modern best practices. To unlock the true potential of our leagues, academies, and clubs, I wish to propose the following key reform:
- Launch a National Campaign Urging State Governors to Withdraw Direct Control of Football Clubs
Across Nigeria, state governments currently finance and administer football clubs as though they are charitable extensions of government. This approach has proven ineffective, unsustainable, and fundamentally misaligned with global football standards.
Football is now a major global industry—one driven by investment, innovation, and competitiveness—rather than state bureaucracy.
While government involvement remains important, it should be limited to areas where it delivers the greatest public value.
- Reposition the Role of State Governments in Sports Administration
State governments should not be in the business of running football clubs. Their appropriate role should be:
Providing and maintaining sports infrastructure such as stadiums, training centers, and community facilities.
Offering grants or incentives to support privately run football clubs and sports federations in fulfilling their mandates.
By stepping back from direct administration and instead serving as facilitators, state governments can create an enabling environment that allows football to thrive as a self-sustaining commercial venture.
- Transfer Club Ownership and Management to Private Investors
I strongly recommend that each state government open a transparent bidding process to attract qualified private investors, consortiums, and football business professionals. These entities should take full control of club management, financing, talent development, and operations.
This model has yielded tremendous success in advanced footballing nations and even among peer African countries. Where the private sector leads, we consistently see:
● Improved club governance
●Better funding structures
●Upgraded facilities
●Stronger youth development systems
●Increased domestic league competitiveness
●Enhanced fan engagement and commercial revenue
Nigeria stands to gain immensely from adopting this approach.
Finally, If these reforms are championed and coordinated at the national level under your leadership, they can trigger a transformational shift in Nigerian football—one that aligns with global standards, promotes private sector innovation, and unleashes the full economic and developmental potential of the sport. In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
I humbly appeal for your support and action in initiating this campaign for the long-term benefit of Nigerian football.
Thank you for your time, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
Respectfully Yours,
ESV Ayodele Thomas, MNIVS, FIMBL, CeMAP
Chairman, TopPro Management & FIFA Licensed Football Agent”.
