Former Nigeria captain Segun Odegbami has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to take the lead in solving Nigeria’s football problems.
Odegbami made the call after Nigeria missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He has also called for changes to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral system and the structure of football administration.
Odegbami previously criticised Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
“There is no reason on earth that Nigeria should not have been one of 10 African countries that went to that World Cup.”
He also blamed the football administration for the failure.
“We cannot put the blame at the footsteps of anybody else but the administration that is in charge.”
Now, Odegbami wants the NSC to lead talks on changes to Nigerian football.
He wants the commission to examine the NFF constitution and electoral process.
Odegbami has also questioned the role of State Football Association chairmen in NFF elections.
He wants other football stakeholders to receive stronger representation in the federation.
In April 2026, Odegbami said he was prepared to challenge aspects of the NFF constitution through the courts.
“Something must give when major failure comes.”
Meanwhile, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade has defended the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board.
Olopade said Nigerians should assess the board on its full tenure rather than its failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Odegbami also wants the National Assembly involved in any changes that require amendments to Nigerian law.
He has urged the NSC and NFF to address the football administration structure before the next NFF election.
