*Pledges to give North Central stronger voice on NFF Board
The Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, has formally submitted his nomination forms to contest for a seat on the Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ahead of the Federation’s Elective Congress scheduled for September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Thuraya submitted his completed nomination documents on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, officially setting the stage for his participation in the contest for one of the North Central zone’s seats on the NFF Board.
His decision to seek a place on the NFF Board has received the backing of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who demonstrated his support for the football administrator by purchasing the nomination form for him.
The development has been widely viewed as a significant show of confidence in Thuraya’s leadership of football in Kwara State and his capacity to contribute meaningfully to the administration and development of the game beyond the state.
Speaking after submitting the forms, Thuraya expressed profound appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq for his encouragement, support and confidence in his capacity to represent Kwara and the North Central region at the highest level of football administration in the country.
He also extended his gratitude to football stakeholders across Kwara State and the North Central region for their support, goodwill and encouragement, stressing that his decision to contest was driven by a desire to contribute to the growth and development of Nigerian football.
According to him, the election is not merely about seeking a position, but an opportunity to provide effective representation, bring fresh ideas to football administration and ensure that the interests of the North Central zone receive adequate attention at the national level.
Thuraya pledged that, if elected, he would make the development of football at all levels a priority, with particular attention to grassroots development, youth football, women’s football, capacity building for coaches and administrators, improved competitions and the creation of opportunities for young football talents.
He also promised to work collaboratively with the NFF leadership, other Board members, State Football Associations, clubs and other stakeholders to strengthen the structures necessary for the sustainable development of the sport.
“I am deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his confidence and tremendous support. I also appreciate the football stakeholders in Kwara State and across the North Central zone for their encouragement.
“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am entering this race with humility and a clear understanding of the expectations that come with representing our people at the NFF Board.
“If given the opportunity, I will do my best to ensure that Kwara, the North Central zone and Nigeria benefit from effective, purposeful and progressive football administration,” Thuraya said.
The Kwara FA Chairman further called for unity among football stakeholders in the North Central zone, noting that the region possesses enormous football potential which must be fully harnessed.
He stressed the need for stronger investment in grassroots football, better scouting and development pathways for young players, improved welfare for football stakeholders and greater collaboration between government, football associations, clubs and the private sector.
Thuraya’s declaration adds another dimension to the emerging contest for representation on the NFF Board, with the North Central zone expected to play a significant role in determining the composition of the next NFF leadership.
For Thuraya, the journey from the Kwara FA to the national stage represents an opportunity to translate his experience at the state level into broader contributions to Nigerian football.
