The Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, on Wednesday stopped a planned peaceful protest by the Reform Our Football group at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, despite prior notification to authorities.
In a statement dated April 23, 2026, the group said it had formally informed the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, of its intention to stage the protest.
“We regret to inform the public that the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, today prevented our peaceful protest,” said Leo Olagbaye, the convener of the group.
The protest was expected to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, with participants planning a procession to the headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation to demand reforms in football administration.
Olagbaye stressed that peaceful protest and freedom of assembly are constitutional rights, insisting that the police action would not deter the group from pursuing what it described as a “total overhaul” of Nigerian football governance.
The group also criticised the leadership of the National Sports Commission, accusing it of enabling the failures of the NFF. According to the statement, the relationship between both bodies has hindered the development of the sport.
It further questioned earlier assurances by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi regarding Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, describing such claims as misleading.
“We cannot continue this way,” Olagbaye said, adding that the group would now escalate its demands to the Presidency.
The protest was part of a broader push by football stakeholders calling for structural reforms, including a review of NFF statutes, improved development plans for national teams such as the Super Falcons, and greater transparency in the recruitment of coaches.
Organisers say the movement reflects growing dissatisfaction with governance, planning, and accountability within Nigerian football, amid concerns over declining performance and administrative challenges.
As of press time, efforts to obtain official responses from the FCT Police Command and the NFF were unsuccessful.