When stakeholders of the Nigeria Football Federation gather in Lafia, Nasarawa on September 26 for the Elective Congress, one name expected to command attention is that of Callistus Omonfoma Ebare.
Ebare, a seasoned football administrator and media strategist with over two decades of deep-rooted involvement in the game.
Ebare, who is contesting for the South-South representative seat on the NFF board, is positioning himself as a unifying figure driven by a clear mission, to foster growth, strengthen unity, and deliver meaningful transformation in Nigerian football.
A graduate of the University of Benin, where he majored in Physical Education, Ebare’s journey reflects a rare blend of academic grounding and practical experience.
His understanding of football extends beyond the pitch, shaped by years of engagement in both the technical and administrative layers of the beautiful game.
He began his professional career in 1995 at DBN TV as a corps member, steadily rising through the ranks to become Sports Manager.
By 2003, his leadership abilities earned him the role of Acting General Manager, with the responsibility of establishing the station’s Abuja operations, a task that underscored his administrative competence early on.
In 2006, Ebare moved to Africa Independent Television (AIT), where he was appointed Manager of Sports, a position he continues to hold.
His tenure at AIT has been marked by:
★ Consistent coverage
★ Strategic content direction
★ A strong influence in shaping sports media narratives in Nigeria
His expertise did not go unnoticed by football authorities as in 2014, he was appointed Senior Adviser on Media to the NFF President, further cementing his role as a key figure at the intersection of football and communication.
Currently, Callistus Omonfoma Ebare, serves as a member of the NFF Organising Committee, contributing to the planning and execution of major football activities in the country.
Ebare’s experience on the global stage is equally impressive.
He has covered multiple FIFA World Cups, 2010, 2014, and 2018, gaining firsthand insight into international best practices in football governance and tournament organisation.
His Nations Cup coverage spans across editions in 2000, 2008, 2010, 2019, 2023, and 2025, reflecting sustained engagement with African football’s evolution.
Beyond coverage, he has also played vital roles behind the scenes, serving on media sub-committees for major tournaments, including the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship in Nigeria and the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 collaboration, experiences that have sharpened his administrative and organisational acumen.
With such a rich résumé, Ebare is campaigning on competence, experience, and a deep understanding of the game’s ecosystem.
As the NFF prepares for a key electoral process, his candidacy represents a blend of media intelligence and administrative insight, qualities many believe are essential for the next phase of Nigerian football development and transformation.
For the Edo State born Ebare, the goal and ambition is to bring
his wealth of knowledge to the boardroom and help steer Nigerian football toward a more structured, unified, and globally competitive future.
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