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Coach Bewarang Backs Gusau’s Resignation, Calls For Competent Leadership Of Nigeria Football
Former Plateau United coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Coach Bitrus Bewarang, has welcomed the resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and members of his board, following mounting pressure over Nigeria’s disappointing football results.
The resignation came amid widespread criticism following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Bewarang said he was pleased with the decision taken by Gusau and his board, regardless of whether external pressure influenced the move.
“I am happy that the president and his board members took the decision that they took, whether it was incited by whoever or it was done in clear conscience, because the results over the years have been dismal and disheartening to us Nigerians,” he said.
The former coach of JIB Rock Strikers and Plateau United, however, stressed that the immediate priority should be ensuring that competent and credible individuals are appointed to lead Nigerian football.
According to him, simply changing the leadership without selecting the right people could return the country’s football administration to its previous challenges.
“The most important aspect now is getting the right people in the system to take over the place. We should understand that putting the right people in place is much needed. If not, we will get back to point zero,” Bewarang stated.
He also cautioned against assuming that former footballers automatically possess the administrative qualities required to manage the country’s football affairs.
Bewarang noted that playing football and administering the sport require different skills, experience and leadership qualities.
“In as much as many played the game, we should understand that administrative job is different from playing roles. Just as we see that sometimes the best of players are not the best of managers in the game,” he said.
The respected football coach called for a new leadership structure built around character, integrity, vision and competence, stressing that those entrusted with Nigerian football must have the capacity to take the sport to a higher level.
“We need to hand over our football to people who have the character and the vision to move Nigerian football to the next level. We need people with character and integrity,” he added.
Bewarang acknowledged that several names being mentioned as possible successors have long-standing connections with Nigerian football and may genuinely be patriotic.
However, he said patriotism alone should not be the sole criterion for selecting the next football administrators.
“I have heard names being called who have been in the game. Yes, they are patriots, but do they have that character in place? That’s the big question.”
Bewarang’s
comments come as attention turns to the future direction of Nigerian football and the qualities required of those who will take responsibility for rebuilding confidence in the country’s football administration.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade
