NANPF Seeks Reinstatement to NFF Congress, Demands Invitation to September 2026 Elective Congress

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has formally called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to restore the Union's participation in the Federation's Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Congress after being excluded since 2022.

In a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the NFF, NANPF expressed concern over what it described as the unexplained omission of the Union from Congress proceedings despite its long-standing status as an officially recognised affiliate and representative body of professional footballers in Nigeria.

The Union recalled that its affiliation with the NFF dates back to February 1, 2007, while its registration as the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers under the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act was formally presented to the Federation in December 2015 following its transition from the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON).

According to NANPF, no communication or explanation has been provided for its exclusion from NFF Congresses since 2022.

The Union noted that the continued exclusion undermines the principles of representation, inclusivity and stakeholder engagement that are fundamental to the growth, governance and stability of Nigerian football.

As the recognised voice of professional footballers in Nigeria, NANPF maintained that its participation in Congress deliberations is essential to ensuring that players' welfare and the broader interests of the game are adequately represented in key football decisions.

Consequently, the Union has appealed to the NFF to extend an invitation to NANPF for the forthcoming September 2026 Elective Congress, in line with the established practice before 2022 when the Union and other Congress affiliates were duly invited to participate.

NANPF reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Nigeria Football Federation in advancing the development of football in Nigeria and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably.

The letter was copied to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and the Registrar of Trade Unions at the Federal Ministry of Labour.

Media Contact:

National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF)

Office of the General Secretary

Comrade Austin Popo