Stakeholders Demand Action After Super Eagles' World Cup Dream Crushed
Aggrieved Nigerian football stakeholders are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the country's failed bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This demand comes after the Super Eagles delivered a dismal performance against DR Congo in a crucial playoff match last Sunday, ending Nigeria's journey to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Former Stars Lead Charge for Accountability
Irked by the alleged poor handling of the qualification campaign by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), prominent figures are urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene. Two former national team stars, Harrison Jalla and Adegoke Adelabu, have been vocal, stating that the nation's football requires a "total overhaul." They have implored the President not to allow what they describe as corruption and unpatriotic acts to be swept under the carpet.
Jalla, a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Players (NANF), called for swift presidential action. "The president must order the dissolution of the NFF board now, and call for reforms to totally restructure Nigeria Football," he stated. This marks the second consecutive World Cup that Nigeria has failed to qualify for, having also missed the 2022 edition in Qatar.
A Pattern of Failure and Allegations
Adegoke Adelabu, a sports scientist, highlighted a lack of transparency as a core issue. "There are so many allegations against the NFF, which the government has not addressed," he said. "The NFF is run like a cult. They are not accountable to anyone. If these issues are swept under the carpet again, there may be no redemption for our football." Adelabu urged the government to set up a panel to investigate the failure and develop corrective strategies.
The disappointment was echoed by former star Theodore Chukwuemeka, who lamented the damage to Nigeria's international image. He expressed disbelief that Nigeria, once ranked the fifth-best football nation globally, would miss two consecutive World Cups despite Africa's slots increasing from five to ten.
Chukwuemeka also pointed to a specific financial controversy, revealing that the Federal Government budgeted N1 billion for the African playoff, yet the players went on strike over unpaid allowances. "Nothing has happened to the officials responsible for that disgrace," he added. He concluded with a somber note, stating that when the World Cup begins, the "Giant of Africa" will be a mere spectator, watching smaller nations compete on the world stage.
