FIFA Officials Arrive in Nigeria for League Governance Workshop

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 2nd June, 2025

Officials of FIFA have arrived in Abuja, Nigeria to oversee a two-day capacity-building workshop for the leadership of Nigeria’s football leagues and premier clubs. The event takes place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

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A statement by NFF Director of Communications, Mr. Ademola Olajire, disclosed that the Workshop aims to examine the management structure of Nigerian football clubs and leagues, enhance governance models, improve commercial viability and strategic outlook; and generally, drive growth and sustainability for domestic football entities.

Participants are drawn from and includes about 40 officials comprising Chairman and CEO of the 20 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs. The notable individuals are from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) and Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO).

The NFF representation will comprise of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF President, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, NFF 2nd Vice President and Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary.

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The FIFA Delegation is made up of El Hadji Wack Diop, Head of FIFA Regional Office (West & Central Africa), Rasoamahenina Sanda Manonisoa, Marcos Piccalo, Federico Perez, Javier Sobrino, a former Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, FC Barcelona; and Laurent Colette, who was a former Managing Director, Olympique de Marseille.

During the Workshop, each NPFL club is expected to present a roadmap to financial autonomy, leveraging club heritage and assets to build global brands.

Importantly, the sessions will focus on strategic planning, financial management, marketing and commercial strategy; and leveraging governance best practices.

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While emphasizing the full development of the sport, this workshop represents a major step forward in harmonizing Nigerian football management with global standards, aiming to make domestic clubs more competitive, sustainable, and commercially attractive.