Title: FIFA Launches Club Management Programme in Nigeria to Boost Football Governance and Financial Autonomy Date Published: 04 June 2025 Description: The world football governing body, FIFA, has officially launched a two-day Club Management Programme in Nigeria — a move aimed at reshaping football administration in the country and driving clubs toward commercial viability and financial independence.The prestigious programme kicked off yesterday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, drawing in over 40 key stakeholders, including club chairmen, chief executive officers, and administrators from all tiers of Nigerian football — the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and Nationwide League One (NLO).Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), expressed optimism about the impact the course would have on participants.\"My expectation is that participants will pay attention to this event, knowing fully the importance of it,\" said Sanusi.“At the end of the programme, they should have a change in attitude and approach to club management, particularly in marketing and sponsorship, so that teams can become self-sustaining instead of relying solely on government support.” Also lending his voice, Dr. Okey Kpalukwu, General Manager of Rivers United and Chairman of the Club Owners Association of Nigeria, emphasized the long-term benefits of the programme: “We believe that at the end of this program, clubs will be better off in terms of management, marketing, and governance. We’ll use the knowledge gained to push our clubs forward.” Similarly, Habila Mutla, General Manager of Plateau United, hailed the initiative as timely and insightful:> “This course will open our eyes to modern strategies in football management, especially in marketing and finance. Most clubs are still government-funded due to weak marketing structures. I’m confident this will help change that.” The FIFA Club Management Programme is part of the global body’s broader push to professionalize football operations worldwide. With Nigerian clubs facing constant financial and operational challenges, stakeholders hope this training will mark a turning point in how the domestic game is run.As the course continues today, expectations remain high that this new knowledge will lead to better-managed, more competitive, and financially healthier football clubs across Nigeria.Stay locked on Gist Reports for updates from the event and more behind-the-scenes insights from Nigeria\'s football scene.  Attached Images: cf2badc51c2d2564d5a8b369fc817a0ba59731a06f31b7e48ec268cc8978b2e8.jpg, 6a817b547970dcf5d7294b9bb2f36323afb4106746e3e84a1e40e9501069f6bc.jpg Attached Video: None