By Chinedum Treasure
The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to convene a high-level stakeholder dialogue aimed at reviving Nigerian football and restoring the country’s fortunes on the international stage.
In a formal appeal to the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, the group called for a structured engagement involving the Presidency, National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and recognised football stakeholders.
ANFASSC stressed that its call was not for presidential interference in the statutory autonomy of the NFF but for a transparent, solutions-driven partnership to address the challenges confronting Nigerian football.
The supporters’ body expressed concern over what it described as a sustained decline in the performance of the country’s national teams, citing failures to qualify for major continental and global competitions in recent years.
It recalled Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the U-23 team’s absence from the 2024 Paris Olympics and other setbacks involving the CHAN Eagles and age-grade teams.
The group also expressed concern over the recent elimination of the Flying Eagles from the 2027 AFCON qualification race, the failure of the U-17 team to qualify for the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and the Super Eagles’ elimination from the 2026 World Cup race.
According to ANFASSC, the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup has further heightened concerns among football-loving Nigerians.
The organisation urged the government and football stakeholders to prioritise grassroots development, age-grade programmes, improved coaching structures, player welfare, transparency and accountability in football administration.
Signed by its General Secretary, Tiamiyu Ayuba, ANFASSC said it was ready to contribute its experience and network to efforts aimed at repositioning Nigerian football.
It urged President Tinubu to consider the proposed dialogue in the interest of millions of Nigerians who see football as a source of national unity, identity and pride.
Tags: #NigerianFootball #ANFASSC #Tinubu #SuperEagles
