‘Nigeria can win next AFCON, qualify for World Cup’ – NFF President Ibrahim Gusau

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a challenging start in the qualifiers.

The three-time African champions has secured just two points from their first three matches, but Gusau believes they can still turn things around.

Speaking at the NFF’s Annual General Assembly held at the Unity Hall in the Delta State Government House, Gusau expressed confidence that Nigeria can secure a spot at the World Cup with six matches still to play.

He highlighted the improvement seen in the team and emphasized the ongoing efforts to support the players.

“In the area of our World Cup qualification, I want to assure you that we are going to use the remaining six matches to get the ticket because you saw how the team is now performing,” Gusau said.

“The recent AFCON Qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda showed that there is improvement, and we are putting things in place to help our cause.”

Gusau also praised the support the Super Eagles have received from the Federal Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, particularly under the leadership of Minister John Owan Enoh.

He noted that this backing was crucial to Nigeria’s success in reaching the final of the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve worked hard to achieve success with the backing of the government, especially our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” he said.

“You can recall that the Super Eagles reached the final of the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where we lost to the host nation 2-1, but we thank God for that achievement.”

Looking forward, Gusau expressed his hope that 2025 will be a turning point for the Super Eagles, with the team working toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure that, by the grace of God, 2025 will be our year,” he added.

The Super Eagles will face Libya in a crucial two-legged tie in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers after earning four points from their first two matches.

Gusau’s optimism, combined with the continued support from the NFF and the federal government, signals a strong determination to lead the national team to success in both the ongoing qualifiers and future tournaments.