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 organising and developing Beach Soccer and Futsal leagues across the country.
The appointment was one of the major 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 constituted the interim board to drive the growth and administration 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, Dele Gbajumo, Hon. Nkopuye Ukpe, Abdul-Nasir Adamu Senchi, Prof. Victor Madubuko, Alhaji Mohammed Bukar Alau and former Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi as members. Saraki Rasheed Oladimeji will serve as the Chief Executive Officer, while the NFF said 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 with all stakeholders to reposition the sport in the country.
“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, stressing the need to build a strong domestic structure capable of producing talents for 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 the sport, the newly appointed chairman called for the support of all stakeholders to achieve the board’s 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 creation 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, with the ultimate goal of restoring Nigeria’s competitiveness on the continental and global stage.
