ADEOLA OGUNLADE
Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has called for urgent reforms in Nigerian football, lamenting the decline of the sport and the growing neglect of grassroots talents across the country.
West made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), at his office in Ikeja.
The former international footballer said he was particularly concerned that talented Nigerian youngsters were increasingly being overlooked, while players developed abroad were being relied upon to fill key positions in the national teams.
According to him, Nigeria must return to a system that identifies, develops and promotes talented players from the grassroots.
He recalled that during his playing days, many footballers rose from modest backgrounds through sheer talent and determination, stressing that the country must recreate opportunities for young Nigerians to excel through football.
West also expressed concern about the state of Nigerian football administration, calling for stakeholders to work together to restructure the sport and restore public confidence in its management.
He proposed bringing together former Nigerian internationals, football stakeholders and other professionals to contribute ideas and expertise towards repositioning the sport.
West specifically mentioned former players and colleagues, including Julius Aghahowa, Garuba Lawal and Ifeanyi Odeze, as some of those who could contribute to the initiative.
He said his interest was not merely personal but focused on finding practical ways to contribute to the development of Nigerian football and create opportunities for young talents.
Responding, Comrade Dauda welcomed Taribo West and commended his passion for the development of Nigerian football, particularly grassroots football.
The council chairman said West’s intervention was timely, noting that while preparations and political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections were already generating attention across the country, the development of football and youth talents remained an important national issue.
Comrade Dauda assured West that he would facilitate a meeting involving him and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke to further discuss how his ideas and voice could be amplified at the national level.
He said the proposed engagement would explore practical ways of supporting grassroots football development in Ikeja and contributing to broader efforts to reposition Nigerian football.
Comrade Dauda stressed that football remains an important avenue for youth development, empowerment and national unity, and should therefore receive sustained attention from government and other stakeholders.
The chairman thanked West for taking the initiative to engage with the council and assured him that his concerns would be given due consideration.