National Teams
World Cup Qualifiers: Sports Minister seeks technical reports over Nigeria poor results
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Senator John Enoh has demanded a comprehensive technical report on Nigeria’s performance from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in their fourth group game of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The Super Eagles’ hope of qualifying for the next FIFA World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States of America (USA), Canada, and Mexico is dicey with three points after four games.
The West African side drew their first three games 1-1 with Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before the 2-1 loss to the Cheetahs on Monday.
The Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the poor run of results of the Super Eagles despite the enormous support the NFF has been receiving from the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The recent results are unacceptable,” Senator Enoh stated in a release by his Special Assistant (S.A) on Sports Development, Diana-Maey Nsan.
“Despite the immense support from President Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have underperformed.
“The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment caused both the Government and the generality of Nigerians.”
Senator Enoh emphasized that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF.
“Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation for why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards since after the last AFCON.”
With six games remaining in the qualifications series, the Super Eagles have to win all their remaining games or at least secure five victories to have any chance of returning to the global football mundial after missing out last time out in Qatar 2022.
