Godsent Ogbebor
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dikko made the call during a visit by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau to the NSC Secretariat, where they discussed preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March.
With just three points from four matches, Nigeria currently sits in fifth place in their qualification group, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points. The Eagles must now win crucial matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to keep their hopes alive for a spot at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“The discussions highlighted the need to ensure that the Super Eagles secure the group’s solitary ticket,” the NSC wrote on their official X account.
Newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle has also stressed that World Cup qualification is his top priority before turning attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“We need to focus on the World Cup qualifiers first. After that, we can start thinking about AFCON,” Chelle said. “For now, our aim is to win two games in March.”
Chelle’s immediate task will be securing victories against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe before the team regroups for their final four qualifiers in September and October.
Meanwhile, under Dikko’s leadership, the NSC has seen its budget allocation rise significantly from N29 billion in 2024 to over N94 billion in 2025, a 227% increase as part of efforts to revamp Nigerian sports.
