By Olivia Ekpe
The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, is confident that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to the support of the Federal Government.
Gusau assured that the government is providing all necessary assistance to the team ahead of the playoff stage of the African qualifiers.
Gusau assured that the. Federal Government is providing all necessary support to ensure the Super Eagles secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
He gave this assurance while speaking in the aftermath of Nigeria’s qualification for the playoff stage of the African qualifiers. He emphasized that preparations are already underway to ensure the team is in top form for the crucial final round of matches.
“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 stated. “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.”
Highlighting the players’ renewed focus and determination, Gusau said the team is now fully aware of what is at stake.
“The most important thing is the level of commitment and zeal of the players,” he said. “They now realise that going to the World Cup is very, 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 to be at the World Cup. I don’t have any element of doubt.”
Addressing concerns over Nigeria’s earlier struggles in the qualifiers, Gusau attributed the setback to instability within the coaching structure. He praised current head coach Eric Chelle for steadying the ship after a turbulent start.
“Eric came in at a time when a lot of people had reservations, but thank God, he has shown Nigerians that he can handle the job. Forget the friendly matches — in the qualifiers, he managed six games, won four, and drew two. If we had that kind of performance earlier, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
Gusau also touched on the challenges the team faced with multiple coaching changes during the campaign, acknowledging that while it wasn’t ideal, it was a necessary decision at the time.
“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 ensure we reach our ultimate goal.”
He concluded by reiterating that preparations have already begun, and with continued government backing and the players’ commitment, Nigeria is well-positioned to make it to the 2026 World Cup.
“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,” Gusau affirmed.
The Super Eagles are eyeing a return to the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, and all eyes will now be on the decisive playoff fixtures that stand between them and qualification.
