The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disclosed that prospective members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Normalisation Committee are undergoing screening and integrity checks by FIFA, two weeks after the world football governing body announced plans to establish the intervention panel.
The disclosure comes amid growing concerns among Nigerian football stakeholders over the delay in announcing the committee’s membership, with questions emerging about its composition, selection process and expected commencement of operations.
FIFA announced the establishment of the Normalisation Committee following consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Nigerian government as part of efforts to address the leadership crisis within the NFF and restore stability to the country’s football administration.
The committee is expected to manage the federation’s affairs, implement necessary reforms and organise fresh elections. Its mandate will end upon the completion of its responsibilities, but no later than May 31, 2027.
However, the absence of an official announcement of its members has continued to fuel uncertainty over when the committee will be inaugurated and formally assume responsibility for Nigerian football.
Speaking on the delay, Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, confirmed to Leadership newspaper that the names of prospective members had been submitted to FIFA for screening and integrity checks.
According to Kola, the process includes background investigations and interviews to determine the suitability of the nominees before FIFA gives its final approval.
“Yes, the names of the members of the committee have been submitted to FIFA. But right now, FIFA is doing what they call a screening process and integrity test for all the people whose names have been submitted to serve as members of the Normalisation Committee.
“It is not a one-day thing. The process is ongoing, and interviews are also being conducted. As soon as they are done, they will be able to say they are satisfied with the people selected to run the affairs of Nigerian football,” Daniel said.
He explained that the delay was partly due to the collaborative nature of the arrangement, stressing that the process involved both FIFA and the Nigerian sports authorities rather than being an independent NSC initiative.
“Because FIFA is involved, the Normalisation Committee does not only entail the National Sports Commission, but it is in conjunction with FIFA. That is why you are seeing some delay. We need to be patient, and the news will be out,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NFF’s acting interim General Secretary, Dr Ademola Olajire, also attributed the delay to FIFA and CAF, indicating that the next official announcement rested with the two football governing bodies.
When contacted for clarification, Olajire simply said: “It is FIFA and CAF.”
However, football reform advocate Jalla questioned the suggestion that FIFA could independently identify suitable individuals for the committee, arguing that the world governing body’s knowledge of Nigerian football stakeholders was largely shaped by its previous dealings with the country’s football administration.
He maintained that the Nigerian authorities must play an active role in identifying credible individuals capable of driving meaningful reforms.
“It is a cover-up to say FIFA would appoint or nominate members of the Normalisation Committee for the reform of Nigerian football. How many stakeholders does FIFA know in Nigeria? Those actually known to FIFA are those who messed up our football.
“The simple truth is that FIFA must be working with the NSC to put the committee in place,” Jalla said.
The football reform advocate further stressed that the priority should be the appointment of individuals with the credibility, experience and commitment required to reposition Nigerian football, rather than allowing disagreements over the selection process to prolong the uncertainty.
Despite the delay, Jalla expressed optimism that the committee would have sufficient time to execute its responsibilities before FIFA’s May 31, 2027 deadline.
“I think what is important and what Nigerians expect is to get the right persons appointed. It is not too late because we certainly have six months for the committee to do its job, and FIFA has sealed it for May 31, 2027.
“So, I think the committee should start working from December 1,” he added.
The eventual announcement and inauguration of the Normalisation Committee are expected to provide direction for the transition process, particularly as Nigerian football awaits administrative reforms and the organisation of fresh elections.
For stakeholders, however, the immediate priority remains the appointment of credible individuals who can restore confidence in the NFF, address longstanding administrative challenges and establish a more transparent and accountable football administration.
