The President of the Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF, Dr. Musa Oshodi, has faulted the position taken by the International Judo Federation, IJF, on the leadership crisis rocking the Nigerian federation.
In a statement signed by the Federation’s Media Committee, Oshodi’s reaction follows a letter dated October 9, 2026, from the IJF to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, in which the world body acknowledged the dissolution of the NJF board and the constitution of a caretaker committee.
In the letter, the IJF expressed support for efforts to ensure a transparent, fair and inclusive electoral process, noting that the caretaker committee has a mandate to amend the NJF Constitution and convene an elective General Assembly.
The IJF also noted that members of the caretaker committee had undertaken not to contest in the forthcoming elections.
But Oshodi has rejected the implications of the IJF’s stance, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for sports administration globally.
“The letter and stand of IJF is a bad omen for the administration of the sport worldwide,” Oshodi said.
The NJF president disclosed that he would convene a meeting of stakeholders to examine the situation and determine the next line of action, though he did not give details of the meeting or specific measures being considered.
The development adds a new twist to the leadership tussle in Nigerian judo, with the status of the federation’s board and the proposed caretaker arrangement at the centre of the dispute.
While the IJF has thrown its weight behind moves to address governance concerns and facilitate a credible electoral process, Oshodi’s position signals continued disagreement over the international body’s intervention.
The outcome of the planned stakeholders’ meeting is expected to provide further clarity on the federation’s next steps.
