FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for stronger structures and clearer development pathways in Nigerian football as the global football governing body engages Nigerian authorities on reforms aimed at repositioning the sport.

Infantino made the call after receiving a Nigerian delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on institutional, governance and developmental issues affecting Nigerian football, with both sides also reviewing areas of existing collaboration between FIFA and Nigeria.

Following the meeting, Infantino said FIFA was interested in working with Nigerian authorities to establish stronger structures that would create more opportunities for young people to develop their football careers.

He described the meeting as an important opportunity for FIFA and Nigeria to align their vision for the future of football in the country, which remains one of Africa’s most football-passionate nations.

The FIFA president also indicated that the organisation was exploring additional areas where it could support the growth of Nigerian football. The focus includes improving institutional structures, strengthening development pathways and creating better opportunities for young players.

The engagement comes at a critical period for Nigerian football following significant changes within the Nigeria Football Federation. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other executive committee members resigned in August amid concerns over the direction of the country’s football administration.

The leadership shake-up has increased attention on efforts to reform the administration and development of football in Nigeria, with stakeholders seeking a more stable and effective system capable of producing better results at both domestic and international levels.

The Nigerian delegation included senior officials involved in the country’s football administration and development. The meeting with FIFA is therefore seen as part of broader efforts to secure international support and cooperation as Nigeria works towards strengthening its football institutions.

For Nigerian football fans and young players, the emphasis on stronger development pathways could have major implications if translated into concrete programmes. Better structures could provide improved opportunities for grassroots players to progress through organised competitions and eventually reach professional and national teams.

FIFA’s willingness to further support Nigeria also comes as the country seeks to restore confidence in its football system following recent setbacks involving its national teams and football administration.

With FIFA now engaging directly with Nigerian authorities on institutional and developmental matters, attention will turn to how the proposed reforms are implemented and whether they can produce lasting improvements across the Nigerian football system.