By Esther Egbe
Monday Nas Ozoya, MSc in Sports Business Management, MCIMSPA,FIFA Guardian Safeguarding Platinum encouraged
Sports administrators that
Football is a Sport that unites us, inspires us, and has the potential to drive change in Nigeria. Yet, the challenges facing Football development in our country have lingered for decades. It is time we take bold steps toward meaningful solutions.
He said that “A Call for Change” The current structure of Football administration in Nigeria is not meeting the needs of all Nigerians—it is time to acknowledge this truth. Right now, it feels like f
Football is for a selected few when it should be for everyone.
Ozoya explained that truly transform Football in Nigeria, we must rethink how the game is delivered at all levels:
Elite Football (professional and semi-professional)
Amateur Football (grassroots and community-level football)
Academy Football (private and club-driven development)
School Football.
Nas revealed that there should be ‘A New Structure for Progress’
Currently, State FAs oversee both professional and semi-professional Football, but this approach needs to be expanded. We need dedicated FAs for:
✔️ Amateur Football
✔️ Academy Football
✔️ School Football
This specialised structure will allow us to maximize Football’s potential and deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, including:
A robust Football economy
Stakeholder specialization for better management
Increased sponsorship opportunities
Improved development for coaches and referees
Upgraded facilities and equipment
Proper regulations and monitoring
Ease of policy implementation Greater investments and funding opportunities.
MSc in Sports Business Management, MCIMSPA,
The FIFA Guardian Safeguarding Platinum said that collaboration is key
to make these changes a reality, we need to shift our mindset from criticism to collaboration. As administrators and stakeholders, we must come together, exchange ideas, and commit to practical solutions that protect and grow the game we all love.
Monday noted that Football is more than just a sport—it is a movement that has the power to uplift communities, inspire youth, and strengthen our nation. Let us not waste its potential.
He concluded that a final thought
I remain an enthusiastic advocate for grassroots football development. Remember, every small effort counts toward creating a brighter future for Nigerian Football. Let us work together to deliver Football for all Nigerians.
