Ibrahim Gusau urges commitment to FIFA Management Program, emphasizes financial sustainability

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

The inaugural FIFA Management Program officially commenced in Abuja on Tuesday, with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) calling on participants to fully engage with the sessions to enhance their understanding of the domestic football landscape.

Delivering the message through NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (MON), Gusau emphasized the importance of financial sustainability, particularly for clubs and league administrators across Nigeria.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has been intentional in impressing it on the clubs that they must work hard towards financial sustainability, and generally contribute to making the football ecosystem better for all stakeholders,” Gusau stated.

He added that domestic leagues and club football remain the cornerstone of national sports development and can make a measurable impact on the country’s economy.

“This workshop will go a long way in getting the message across in a more profound manner—that the leagues and club football are the lifeblood of a nation’s sport,” he said.

“They aid in significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product of our country, and that can only happen through strategic activities that generate direct, indirect, and induced income.”

Tuesday’s sessions covered strategic planning and finance, while today’s focus will be on governance, commercial operations, and marketing.

The FIFA Management Program aims to strengthen football administration across member nations by building capacity in key areas of sport governance, financial planning, and commercial strategy.