By Ado Salisu
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Mahmud Hadejia as Chairman of its newly constituted Interim Beach Soccer and Futsal Board, tasking the body with overseeing the organisation and development of Beach Soccer and Futsal leagues across the country.
The appointment was one of the key resolutions reached at the meeting of the NFF Executive Committee held at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the Executive Committee established the interim board to drive the administration, promotion and growth of Beach Soccer and Futsal in Nigeria.
“The Executive Committee constituted an interim Board that is now saddled with the organisation of Beach Soccer and Futsal leagues in the country,” the communiqué stated.
The board comprises Mahmud Hadejia as Chairman, while Dele Gbajumo, Hon. Nkopuye Ukpe, Abdul-Nasir Adamu Senchi, Prof. Victor Madubuko, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar Alau and former Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi will serve as members. Saraki Rasheed Oladimeji has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, while the NFF disclosed that a Chief Operating Officer will be appointed by the General Secretary.
Reacting to his appointment, Hadejia described the opportunity as a privilege and pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to reposition both sports for sustainable growth.
“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the Nigeria Football Federation to serve as Chairman of the Interim Beach Soccer and Futsal Board. This appointment is a call to service, and I am fully committed to working with every member of the board and relevant stakeholders to reposition Beach Soccer and Futsal for sustainable growth and greater competitiveness,” Hadejia said.
He outlined the board’s immediate priorities, emphasising the need to establish a strong domestic league structure capable of producing talent for the national teams.
“Our immediate priority is to establish a strong and functional league structure that will provide opportunities for players, coaches and officials while creating a clear pathway for talent development. We will work diligently to ensure these two exciting formats of the game receive the attention and support they deserve,” he added.
Expressing confidence in the future of both sports, the newly appointed chairman called on stakeholders to support the board in achieving its objectives.
“With the support of the NFF leadership, the National Sports Commission, sponsors and football stakeholders, I am confident we can build a vibrant Beach Soccer and Futsal ecosystem that Nigeria will be proud of,” Hadejia concluded.
The establishment of the interim board underscores the NFF’s commitment to strengthening the development of Beach Soccer and Futsal through a structured league system, improved administration and sustainable talent development. The initiative is expected to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in both formats at the continental and global levels.
