Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive cycle has been described as a wake-up call demanding urgent national reforms across the country’s football ecosystem, platinumnewsng.com is reporting. Top sports management and security expert, Dr. Christopher Emeruwa, in a writ said the setback should not be reduced to emotional reactions or blame games, but embraced as an opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s football administration on modern, predictable, and professional foundations.
In a comprehensive position statement, Emeruwa, Tuesday, November 19, outlined a solutions-driven roadmap aimed at preventing future qualifying failures. He stressed that restoring Nigeria’s global football reputation requires honesty, unity, and collective responsibility from all stakeholders — including the NFF, coaches, players, the private sector, government, and the media.
Emeruwa identified welfare uncertainty as a recurring source of tension in the national team. He recommended the establishment of permanent performance contracts and automated bonus systems that would eliminate delays and enhance trust.
He proposed the introduction of a digital payment dashboard accessible to players, ensuring transparency and professionalism in financial matters.
The head of the CAF Security Committee called for a shift from event-based administration to year-round professional operations. His recommendations include the creation of a National Team Operations Directorate, quarterly audits, transparent reporting, and regular risk assessments.
“Global football success is sustained through strong governance,” he said, emphasising the need for structural stability.
Emeruwa, one time the head of the Integrity Unit of the NFF, advocated for modern technical leadership anchored on discipline, emotional intelligence, and performance science. He urged the enforcement of conduct codes for coaches, the introduction of sports psychologists, and the use of measurable KPIs to evaluate technical officials.
He called for renewed efficiency in government involvement by ring-fencing funding at least 12 months before qualifiers and limiting political interference in technical matters. He also proposed a National Football High Performance Commission that integrates the NSC, NFF, and private-sector expertise.
To reduce dependence on government funding, the former NFF presidential candidate recommended tax incentives for long-term corporate investment and the establishment of a National Team Sponsorship Consortium cutting across key industries.
Highlighting the media’s influence on public confidence, Emeruwa called for weekly NFF briefings, a dedicated media centre, and structured crisis communication to minimise misinformation while urging the NFF to adopt proactive dialogue with players, embed performance-based incentives, and strengthen team culture built on respect and accountability.
He, however, concluded that despite recent setbacks, Nigeria possesses the talent and heritage to consistently compete on the world stage. What the country must now build, he said, are systems that are predictable, professional, and free from crisis-driven management.
“This moment must mark the beginning of a new era — one where Nigeria’s football destiny is shaped by structure, not chance; by planning, not panic; and by unity, not division,” he said.