NFF Poll: Solanke Laments Neglect of Nigeria Supporters’ Club, Pledges Full FIFA-Backed Recognition, Financial Support
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Segun Solanke, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the prolonged neglect and poor treatment of the Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club, promising to restore its pride of place through strict adherence to FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) statutory provisions if elected NFF President.
Solanke said the Supporters’ Club remains one of the most important stakeholders in Nigerian football, noting that its members have for decades served as passionate ambassadors of the country at major international competitions.
According to him, it is regrettable that despite FIFA’s financial assistance to member associations for football development and stakeholder engagement, the Nigeria Football Supporters’ Clubs have allegedly been sidelined and denied the institutional backing required to effectively mobilize fans for national team assignments.
“The Supporters’ Club is not just a group of fans; it is an integral part of football development and promotion. Their songs, colours and unwavering support have become a symbol of Nigerian football across Africa and the world,” Solanke said.
The Chairman, Olumo United Football Club pledged that his administration would ensure that the Supporters’ Club is formally recognized as a key football stakeholder in line with FIFA and CAF principles of inclusive football governance.
Solanke further promised to establish a transparent framework through which financial support and logistical assistance earmarked for supporters’ mobilization would be properly administered, ensuring accountability and maximum impact.
“The era of neglect must come to an end. We will restore dignity to the Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club and ensure that every legitimate support provided for fan mobilization is used for its intended purpose. Our supporters deserve respect, recognition and institutional backing,” he declared.
The NFF presidential hopeful added that a vibrant and well-supported Supporters’ Club would enhance attendance at national team matches, improve Nigeria’s image internationally and provide the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and other national teams with the passionate home and away support needed to achieve greater success.
Solanke stressed that football thrives when every stakeholder is carried along, insisting that players, coaches, referees, administrators and supporters all have critical roles to play in rebuilding Nigerian football.
He concluded by assuring football stakeholders that his administration would prioritize transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, making the Supporters’ Club a respected partner in the growth of Nigerian football rather than an overlooked institution.
