•We Remain Strong, You Can’t Silence Our Collective Voices, PCF Fires Back
By Amaechi Agbo
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nationwide League One (NLO) have clarified that the Progressive Club Chairmen Forum (PCCF) is not recognised or its claims regarding league governance.
The NLO, authorised by the NFF to oversee grassroots football, has reaffirmed that the NFF statutes guide its operations.
“Neither the NFF nor the NLO do not acknowledge the Forum as an official or delegated body within Nigerian football; league operations are governed exclusively by the NFF’s rules and regulations.
“Neither organisation has delegated authority to the Progressive Club Chairmen Forum to act as an advocacy group, spokesperson, or representative for clubs.
“Each club participates through its own affiliation with its State Football Association and the league, respecting the Nigerian Constitution’s freedom of association,” NLO said in a letter to the PCCF the league body stayed that the Forum lacks an official mandate to represent the individual clubs. The claims made by the Progressive Club Chairmen Forum regarding club rights, league operations, and management have already been addressed by existing laws since the league’s inception.
“The Progressive Club Chairmen Forum cannot assume a role that conflicts with or duplicates the statutory management of the league.
“Any influence or relevance the Progressive Club Chairmen Forum seeks should remain within its own scope and not interfere with the league’s official operations, which are managed solely by the NFF-formed Nationwide League One.
“Both federations are committed to transparency, the rule of law, and proper football governance in Nigeria. All stakeholders, including the Forum, are expected to respect these boundaries.
“For further clarification on the NFF statutes or league regulations, the league’s secretariat is available through official channels,” the letter concluded
However, in a swift reaction on Thursday, the PCCF has stated it’s resolve not to be pushed aside.
The group in a statement Thursday said they are seeking for collaboration and not in competition with the leagu body adding the their interes was primarily to promote to protect the rights and welfare of its member clubs.
“In light of the official correspondence dated April 8, 2026, from the Nationwide League One (NLO) regarding the “non-recognition” of this Forum, it is imperative that we address our members directly.
“This Forum was established with a singular, noble purpose: to advocate for the common rights and welfare of our individual clubs. Our strength lies in our collective voice and our commitment to the growth of Nigerian football.
“We wish to state the following clearly to all members:
“At no point has this Forum engaged in blackmail or insults against the NLO Board. We have maintained a standard of professional discourse while pushing for improvements necessary for our league’s success.
“A Call for Unity: It is our view that the recent letter is an attempt to silence a collective voice that seeks transparency. However, we remain strong together.
“We continue to hold the highest respect for the Chairman and the CEO of the NLO, who is a part of our forum. Our intent is collaboration, not competition.
“If any Chairman feels that this Forum is illegal or no longer aligns with their interests, we kindly ask that you take your leave. We seek only those who are fully committed to our shared cause, the forum said.
As the NLO is poised to start today, April 10, 2026, it is expected that the gladiators will shift focus to the pitch as the PCCF claims it’s ambition is to ensure improvement of the league
“Despite the administrative challenges, our primary goal remains the success of our clubs and the development of our players.
“We wish every Chairman and their respective teams immense success, fair play, and victory as the new season begins. Let our performance and professionalism on the field be the strongest testament to our dedication to the sport.”
Let us remain focused, united, and undeterred.
