National Teams
NFF President Gusau confirms government backing in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup quest
By Dayo Awoniyi
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has affirmed that the Federal Government is offering full support to the Super Eagles as they prepare for the final stages of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria, having secured a place in the playoff round, now eyes redemption after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar. Gusau assured that preparations are underway to ensure the team is fully equipped for the decisive fixtures ahead.
“From our side, we are getting all the cooperation we need from the government, through the National Sports Commission, to ensure we have good preparation for those matches,” Gusau said after Nigeria advanced to the playoff stage.
“It’s going to be two matches and, by the grace of God, I know we are going to succeed and move forward to the intercontinental playoffs.”
The NFF chief expressed confidence in the team’s renewed focus, crediting the players’ commitment as a key factor in their recent performances.
Gusau acknowledged that Nigeria’s earlier struggles in the qualifying campaign were due in part to instability in the coaching department, commending current head coach Eric Chelle for bringing clarity and consistency to the team.
“The most important thing is the level of commitment and zeal of the players. They now realise that going to the World Cup is very important for their careers—even more than many Nigerians see it. From their spirit in the last two matches, you can see these guys are ready. I don’t have any doubt,” he said.
“Eric came in when there were a lot of doubts, but he has shown Nigerians he can handle the job. Forget the friendlies—in the qualifiers, he managed six games, won four, and drew two. If we had that level of performance earlier, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
While the team has seen three different coaches during the campaign, Gusau defended the changes as necessary steps taken to stabilize the squad.
“People talk about three coaches managing the team, but they don’t really discuss how it came about. It was a necessity. Now, we are focused and working hard to reach our ultimate goal.”
Reiterating the NFF’s optimism and the Federal Government’s ongoing support, Gusau concluded, “The government is fully behind us, and right from today, we’ve started preparations. With the level of seriousness in the camp, I believe we’ll make it through the playoffs.”
With the Super Eagles aiming to return to the global stage in North America in 2026, the next few months will prove decisive for Nigeria’s football ambitions.
