Manu Garba urges stronger NFF backing and planning for Super Eagles’ 2030 World Cup push

Coach Manu Garba says the Nigeria Football Federation must raise its standards in planning, motivation and support if the Super Eagles are to reach the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar and are locked in a challenging qualifying campaign for the 2026 finals, placing added importance on the next World Cup cycle for the three-time African champions.

Speaking to Brila.net, the former FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach argued that Nigeria have the individual quality to compete with any team in the world, but warned that talent alone will not be enough to secure a return to football’s biggest stage.

“Nigeria is one of the nations with a battalion of talents. We have the players who can win every game at the World Cup,” Garba said.

“Preparation and motivation are key for us to qualify for the next World Cup.”

Call for government and NFF to improve structures

Garba appealed directly to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to provide a more professional and stable framework around the Super Eagles, insisting that institutional backing is crucial to sustained success.

He highlighted the timely payment of allowances and bonuses, as well as the consistent fulfilment of obligations to players and staff, as central to building a motivated and united squad.

“The government also has a role to play by supplying and doing all it’s supposed to do for the team,” he continued.

“The officials should do their jobs well because players are most happy and motivated when treated and paid properly.”

Garba suggested that when administrative duties are handled efficiently and players feel valued, it creates an atmosphere in which the national team can perform at its peak during major qualifiers and tournaments.

Players urged to match support with commitment

While calling for better organisation off the pitch, Garba also placed responsibility on the players themselves to respond with increased dedication whenever they wear the national colours.

He believes that with improved structures and a stronger sense of duty from the squad, Nigeria will be better positioned to navigate demanding World Cup qualifying campaigns.

“The players themselves should also play with their hearts for the country,” he added.

Garba, who has been a long-standing proponent of a more systematic approach to football development in Nigeria, has overseen the rise of several youngsters from youth level into the Super Eagles set-up. His track record at age-grade level underpins his insistence on long-term planning and coherent pathways.

Long-term vision for 2030 campaign

His latest remarks come as Nigeria continues to search for greater consistency in its football administration and on-pitch performances, with officials and coaches attempting to build a team capable of challenging regularly on the global stage.

Garba maintains that the Super Eagles are capable of returning to the World Cup and competing against the elite, provided that all parties involved in the game in Nigeria pull in the same direction.

He believes that qualification for future tournaments, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, will depend not only on the ability of the players, but also on the depth of preparation, level of organisation and overall commitment shown behind the scenes by the NFF, government and other stakeholders.

For Garba, aligning these elements talent, planning, motivation and support will determine whether Nigeria can turn its potential into consistent World Cup participation and success.