A leading voice in Nigerian football administration, Bayo Olanlege, has called for sweeping reforms, warning that the country’s football system risks stagnation without a renewed commitment to accountability.
In a strongly a statement posted on LinkedIn on Friday, Olanlege stressed that the time for rhetoric has passed, urging stakeholders across all levels of the game to embrace responsibility and measurable performance.
He described accountability as the cornerstone of effective governance, insisting that individuals and institutions must be held answerable for their actions.
His appeal cuts across the entire football structure, from local councils and state associations to the Nigeria Football Federation with a clear message that leadership must translate into visible impact rather than ceremonial roles.
“Leadership in football administration demands tangible work, measurable impact, and a clear commitment to the growth and integrity of the game,” he stated in the post.
Drawing from his own journey, Olanlege acknowledged the influence of respected figures such as Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, Seyi Akinwunmi, and current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, noting that their mentorship helped shape his approach to building the Ekiti State Football Association.
However, he expressed concern that the current system falls short of those ideals, pointing to a widening gap between potential and performance in Nigerian football administration.
According to him, a critical reorientation is needed, with administrators undergoing renewed education on their roles and responsibilities to restore efficiency and credibility.
“In its present state, the Nigerian football ecosystem is operating below its full potential,” Olanlege warned, attributing the decline to weak leadership and poor institutional accountability.
He concluded with a call for urgent change, emphasising that only a system rooted in accountability can unlock the nation’s football potential and ensure long-term growth and success.
