Super Eagles will qualify - NFF President promises to revive Nigeria's shaky WCQ, silent on Finidi George's future

New Super Eagles head coach Finidi George was unveiled on May 13. || X

FOOTBALL Super Eagles will qualify - NFF President promises to revive Nigeria's shaky WCQ, silent on Finidi George's future

Super Eagles will qualify - NFF President promises to revive Nigeria's shaky WCQ, silent on Finidi George's future

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 15:53 - 13.06.2024

NFF President vows unwavering commitment and holistic changes to Nigeria and Super Eagles' World Cup Qualification.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has broken his silence on Nigeria's shaky start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers under new manager Finidi George. 

The Super Eagles' campaign has gotten off to a poor start, with one draw and one defeat leaving their hopes of reaching the biggest football event hanging in the balance.

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NFF Makes Super Eagles World Cup Vow

With Nigeria’s dreams looking over, Gusau, however, has now stepped forward to assure Nigerians that the national team will fight until the end to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup. 

Speaking in a video on social media, the NFF President stated that the governing body is working tirelessly with the Minister of Sports to implement "holistic measures" that will turn around the team's fortunes.

Nigeria football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau says Nigeria will fight till the end.
Nigeria football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau says Nigeria will fight till the end.

"It is a very sad moment for Nigerian football, we can't run away from that," Gusau acknowledged.

"But all I want to assure you is that we are working tirelessly in conjunction with the Minister to come out with some holistic measures that will change the face of the entire system so that we can move forward."

Super Eagles during the game against South Africa.
Super Eagles during the game against South Africa. || Image credit: Imago

Despite the team's poor start, the NFF President insisted that it is still possible for the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup. 

He promised that the necessary steps would be taken to ensure Nigeria's participation in the global showpiece, including using the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as a platform to showcase the team's progress.

"Before the next round of the World Cup qualifiers, we have the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and all the six matches will be played before March next year (when the World Cup qualifiers resume)," Gusau said.

Finidi George has won just one of four matches as Super Eagles coach.
Finidi George has won just one of four matches as Super Eagles coach.

"That will show Nigerians the kind of steps we have taken to make sure that we qualify for the World Cup."

While Gusau dodged questions on the immediate future of manager Finidi George, the NFF President's comments suggest a determination to turn around Nigeria's fortunes and ensure the Super Eagles' presence at the 2026 World Cup.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C after three draws and one defeat in four matches. 

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