Former Nigeria international Adegoke Adelabu has taken direct aim at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing officials of escaping accountability for their failures because of what he describes as complete government negligence toward sports administration in the country, Footynaija.com reports.
Adelabu’s frustration is rooted in a pattern he believes has defined Nigerian football governance for years. The NFF has faced recurring criticism over mismanagement, poor planning and a lack of transparency, yet meaningful consequences for those at the top have remained rare.
With Nigeria having missed the 2026 World Cup after a painful playoff exit to DR Congo last November, and the Super Eagles now in a rebuilding phase under Eric Chelle, the question of who bears responsibility for years of structural decline has grown louder.
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The former international believes the answer is partly outside football itself. In his view, government indifference has created an environment where NFF officials operate without the scrutiny that should come with managing one of Africa’s most high-profile national teams.
‘Sooner or later, nemesis will catch up’
Speaking to The Guardian, as revealed by Pulse Sports, Adelabu was blunt about where he places the blame.
“I think the government is in complete negligence of the issues of sport at this time,” he said.
However, he stopped short of suggesting the situation was permanent.
“It may look as if the NFF officials are getting away with their failures, but sooner or later nemesis will catch up with them. They will surely give account of their stewardship,” Adelabu added.
The remarks come at a particularly sensitive moment for Nigerian football administration. NFF president Ibrahim Gusau is currently handling a contract renewal dispute with Chelle, with the federation yet to agree on terms for the coach’s extension beyond December 2026.
Meanwhile, infrastructure concerns and stadium deficiencies continue to demand attention from an administration Adelabu clearly believes is not being held to the standard the sport deserves.
