By Joseph Odoekwu, KSM

LAGOS, August 27, 2026 — National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rev. (Amb.) Samuel Ikpea, has called for calm, unity and due process following the resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president and members of the board.

Ikpea described the development as a difficult but necessary moment for Nigerian football, coming amid mounting pressure over the performances of the country’s national teams.

Speaking from the NFSC National Secretariat in Lagos, Ikpea said the football community must now focus on restoring stability and ensuring that the next phase of the NFF’s leadership is handled transparently.

“Nigerians are still hurting from the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the disappointing outing of the Super Falcons,” Ikpea said.

“It was a tough moment for everyone involved. I am convinced that the board members felt the weight of responsibility and took this decision in the overall interest of the game.”

Following the resignations, Ikpea said the NFSC National Executive Council held an emergency meeting to consider the situation and establish its position on the way forward.

NFSC Calls for Neutrality and National Interest

Ikpea stressed that the supporters’ body would not align itself with any faction in the unfolding football administration crisis.

“We are not aligned with any faction. Our loyalty is to Nigerian football and to the millions of supporters who invest their time, money and emotions in the game week after week,” he said.

“Football is our greatest unifying force. From Kano to Lagos, from Enugu to Uyo, it brings us together. We must not allow administrative challenges to divide us. What Nigeria needs now is stability, dialogue and peace.”

The NFSC subsequently outlined four key demands it believes should guide the transition.

First, the organisation called on former board members, State Football Association chairmen, clubs, players, referees, coaches, supporters and other stakeholders to avoid statements or actions that could further divide the country’s football community.

It also called for a peaceful, transparent and credible congress conducted in accordance with the NFF Statutes and relevant FIFA and CAF guidelines, stressing that the process should be free from violence, intimidation and the imposition of candidates.

Ikpea further urged stakeholders to prioritise merit over tribal, regional or personal considerations when choosing the next leadership of Nigerian football.

“This is not the time for tribal, regional or personal sentiments,” he said. “Nigeria needs the best heads to run our football. The next NFF board must comprise administrators with competence, capacity, integrity and a clear vision for modern football, development and grassroots growth, irrespective of their tribe.”

The NFSC also advocated for a more inclusive NFF structure that gives meaningful representation to State Football Associations, professional and women’s football clubs, football academies, players, coaches, referees, grassroots football, supporters’ groups, corporate partners and Nigerians in the diaspora.

“No single group should own Nigerian football. An inclusive structure guarantees transparency, accountability and sustainable growth,” Ikpea said.

He maintained that Nigerian football is bigger than any individual or organisation and should ultimately serve the interests of the Nigerian people.

Ikpea reaffirmed the NFSC’s commitment to supporting the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and other national teams during the transition period.

“We believe that out of this crisis can emerge a stronger, more united and more professional NFF,” he said.

“We call on all Nigerians to put the game first. Let peace reign. Let due process prevail. Let us build an NFF that works for everyone.”