Olofinjana urges Nigeria to end ‘automatic jobs’ for ex-footballers in leadership roles

Former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana says retired players should no longer be “automatically” handed top football leadership roles in the country solely because of what they achieved on the pitch.

The former Super Eagles midfielder argued that experience as a player, while valuable, is not enough to qualify anyone for administrative positions in the running of the game.

He said those aspiring to lead Nigerian football must first gain a full grasp of how the sport is managed and governed, insisting that football administration is a profession in its own right and not a reward for past service on the field.

The intervention comes as debate intensifies over the place of ex-players in the governance and development of the domestic game.

‘Playing is not a licence to govern’

Olofinjana, who earned international caps for Nigeria and enjoyed a lengthy club career in Europe, cautioned against what he sees as an unhealthy culture of elevating former stars into powerful posts without the necessary preparation.

He stressed that, although ex-footballers bring insight from their time on the field, that alone should not be treated as the main criterion for appointments.

According to the former midfielder, leadership roles in football bodies demand a deep understanding of issues such as governance structures, long-term planning, finance, administration and stakeholder management.

He believes that without these skills, former professionals risk struggling in positions where decisions affect the direction and credibility of the sport nationally.

Call for training and professional standards

Olofinjana underlined that successful administration depends on “professional knowledge, strategic planning, and proper training”, and said those who wish to move into such roles must be ready to undertake the required education.

He argued that football administration should be seen as a specialised career path, where competence and expertise are developed through study and experience – not assumed from a playing background.

For him, this means aspiring football leaders, whether or not they played the game, should pursue formal training and continuous professional development before taking up key responsibilities.

Merit, not sentiment

Urging a shift in mindset among decision-makers, Olofinjana called on Nigerian football stakeholders to put “merit, qualifications and professional development” at the heart of appointments.

He suggested that the long-term health of the sport depends on building leadership structures that are robust, accountable and grounded in best practice, rather than driven by sentiment or popularity.

His remarks feed into a wider conversation in Nigerian football about how best to harness the experience of former internationals – whether through coaching, technical roles or mentoring – while ensuring that the governance of the game is entrusted to people with the necessary administrative skills.

As discussions continue over reforms and the future direction of the sport in the country, Olofinjana’s warning highlights a growing push to professionalise football management and to separate on-field achievement from off-field leadership credentials.