The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Olugbenga Omole and 11 other distinguished Nigerians into its Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee, setting the stage for the federation’s 2026 elective congress.
The decision was ratified during the NFF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as part of efforts to ensure a transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral process that will usher in new leadership for Nigerian football.
Omole, who represents Akoko South-West Constituency I in the Ondo State House of Assembly, was nominated from the South-West zone and joins a carefully selected team drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Full List of Appointees
The 12-member panel reflects a balanced national spread:
- North Central: Matthew Burkala (SAN), Emmanuel Dada Obafemi
- North East: Babagoni Grema, Benjamin Sak
- North West: Bature Musa, Abdulmalik Awwal (Prof.)
- South East: C. J. Aneke, Arinze Azubuike Anughere, Esq.
- South West: Olugbenga Omole, Abayomi Akin Omoyimi, Esq.
- South South: Ayibaye Peter Great Temedie, Esq., Ayi Ekpo Ukpayam
According to the federation, five members will serve as full members of the Electoral Committee, with two as alternates, while three will serve on the Electoral Appeals Committee alongside two alternates.
All appointees are expected to be inaugurated in Abuja on March 25, 2026, where they will also select their respective chairmen in line with the NFF Electoral Code.
Reacting to the appointment, Omole expressed gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility, describing the role as both humbling and significant.
“I feel truly honoured to be considered for this important national assignment. Football is a powerful force that unites Nigerians, and to contribute to shaping its leadership process is a privilege,” he said.
He emphasized his commitment to fairness and transparency, noting that the credibility of the process must reflect global best practices.
“This is not just an appointment; it is a responsibility to uphold integrity and ensure that the process inspires confidence among stakeholders and fans alike,” he added.
The appointments come at a critical time for the NFF, as preparations intensify for the 2026 elections, a process that will significantly influence the future direction of football administration in the country.
As a reporter observing developments within the federation, there is a noticeable sense of cautious optimism among stakeholders. While past electoral processes have not been without contention, this new committee is widely seen as an opportunity to reinforce trust and credibility in football governance.
For many, the inclusion of individuals with diverse professional backgrounds—ranging from law and academia to public service—signals a deliberate effort to strengthen the integrity of the system.
With the inauguration set for Abuja, attention will now shift to how effectively the committees carry out their mandate. Expectations remain high that the process will not only be transparent but also serve as a benchmark for sports administration in Nigeria.
For Omole and his colleagues, the task ahead is clear: to deliver an electoral process that reflects fairness, professionalism, and the true spirit of the game.
As Nigerian football stands on the brink of another leadership transition, all eyes will be on the NFF—and the men entrusted with this critical national assignment.