A History of Sports Politics in Nigerian Football Federation, 1945 - 2024.

Student: Chinecherem Blessing Udemobi (Project, 2025)
Department of History and International Studies
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Abstract

This project work explores a detailed relationship between sports and politics focusing on the Nigerian Football Federation, 1945 - 2024. By examining the historical context of football development in Nigeria, this project reveals how political influences have shaped the sports, from colonial administration to military rule and democratic governance. The early missionaries and colonial administrators taught Nigerians to play the game as a means of relaxation. This study investigates key events, policies and figure that have impacted Nigerian football, including the role of government intervention, political appointments and management appointments. By employing qualitative method approach, combining literature review of books and reports from newspapers and journals with interviews from athletes, coaches and sports officials. This project provides an insight into the ways political forces have shaped the NFF’s structure, policies and performance contributing a deeper understanding of the dynamics between sports and politics in Nigeria.

Keywords
sports politics nigerian football nigerian football federation (NFF)
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