Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering football development from the grassroots during the Nigeria National League (NNL) monthly awards ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Emphasizing sustainable growth, Gusau declared that building football from the foundation up is the only viable approach, likening top-down efforts to constructing an edifice from the rooftop.
Speaking to a distinguished audience, Gusau highlighted the significance of awards in motivating excellence across the football industry.
“Awards remain vital projects to be encouraged because they spur better performances from all actors in an industry,” he stated. The NNL Awards celebrate outstanding contributions from athletes, coaches, and teams, fostering a culture of competition and excellence in Nigerian football.
Gusau underscored the NFF’s focus on invigorating grassroots football and strengthening domestic leagues, which he described as the bedrock of the sport’s future in Nigeria. “One of my NFF’s key commitments is to invigorate grassroots football and the associated leagues,” he said.
A landmark achievement under Gusau’s leadership is the alignment of Nigeria’s football calendar with international standards, a feat previously considered unattainable. This synchronization extends beyond the top-tier league to include the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), marking a significant step toward global integration.
Gusau expressed optimism about continued advancements, noting that these efforts will secure a promising future for Nigerian football.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including NFF 2nd Vice President and NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development Prince Adeyinka Adeboye, NNL Chairman Chief George Aluo, and NNL CEO Mr. Emmanuel Attah. Other notable attendees included former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, FCT FA Chairman Hon. Abba Mouktar Mohammed, and representatives from the National Sports Commission.