The Nigeria Football and Sports Supporters Group (NSSG) has restated its commitment to the peace accord brokered by the National Sports Commission (NSC), following concerns over internal dissent.
Vincent Okumagba, Chairman of the group’s Interim Management Committee, made the clarification in Lagos, asserting that member organisations remain united under the NSSG umbrella.
The unity pact, initiated by the NSC in January 2025, was designed to harmonise previously fragmented supporters’ clubs into one cohesive entity. However, a recent statement from one faction alleging a breach of the agreement by the interim committee had sparked controversy.
Responding to the development, Okumagba described the outburst as a product of “fear of the unknown” rather than legitimate grievances. He reaffirmed the group’s allegiance to the agreement signed with the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“We are all united and remain focused on the peace pact that gave us our mandate,” he said. “The NSC and NFF trusted us with this process, and we remain committed to fulfilling that trust.”
He noted that the interim committee’s tenure was just one year, and preparations were ongoing to conduct open elections into various leadership positions.
“Anyone popular enough can contest,” he stated. “Those raising concerns may simply fear losing. There is no need to create unnecessary tension.”
Okumagba cited the group’s unified outing in Kigali to support the Super Eagles as proof of ongoing cohesion, adding that most of the six original member groups remain active within the agreement framework.
A reconciliation team has also been set up to handle any internal grievances. “There’s no hidden agenda. Everyone will have a level playing field,” he assured.
However, he acknowledged that any group choosing to operate independently is free to do so. “We won’t interfere – the more, the merrier,” he concluded.
(NAN)