Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has promised to take comprehensive measures to rectify the team’s issues, particularly their 2–1 loss to Benin Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
When asked in a recent interview about the potential of choosing a new coach or keeping Finidi George, who was appointed in April, the NFF President replied: “It’s a very sad moment for Nigerian football, we can’t run away from that,” he admitted.
“But all I want to assure you is that we are working tirelessly in collaboration 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,” he said.
The NFF President, addressing following a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, guaranteed the Super Eagles squad that they will qualify for the renowned competition.
“Don’t forget that it’s still possible, and we’re going to make it. I just want to assure you that we are going to fight it to the letter, and Nigeria will go to the World Cup.”
Sharing more insight about the federation’s plans, he revealed, “Very soon, you are going to see the measures that NFF will come out with, and by the grace of God, those measures that we are going to take will lead us to qualify for the next World Cup.”
“Don’t also forget, before the next round of the (World Cup) qualifiers, we have the AFCON qualifiers, which almost all the six matches will be played before (World Cup) matches next year, and that, by the grace of God, will show Nigerians the kind of steps we have taken, we are going to take to make sure that we qualify for the World Cup.”
On Monday, Benin Republic defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Prior to the encounter, the team had drawn 1-1 with South African side Bafana Bafana in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Nigeria is now sixth in the six-team rankings, with six games remaining.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
