Following the Super Falcons‘ inability to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify, the Nigeria Senate has voiced concern over Nigeria’s recent shortcomings in international football. 2027 World Cup for Women.
The Senate Committee on Sports on Wednesday held an emergency meeting with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, was held at his office in Abuja.
Ningi said the meeting was convened at the request of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who expressed concern about the state of Nigerian sports, particularly football.
“I have the authority of the Senate President on this very important meeting. He recently asked me, ‘Senator Ningi, what is happening in sports, what is happening in football?’”
“This meeting was a preamble to the explanation I will offer the Senate when it reconvenes next month on the state of sports and, in particular, football in Nigeria today and steps being taken to reposition it for better results.”
“I called them to close ranks, that is, the Nigerian Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, because as it is today, they are wide apart.”
“The President, in his magnanimity, dished out a hundred thousand dollars each to players and officials. And what more will you need from a nation that is battling with the lives of over 220 million Nigerians?”
“I’ve also seen that the President has almost quadrupled the budget of the sports ministry.”
“We were all pained when we couldn’t be in the World Cup in the United States and further pained by the failure of Super Falcons to make it to Brazil next year.”
“Whatever action we must do, we must do it within the limits of the law. We must look at our laws, and we must also look at the FIFA statutes.”
It is essential that all stakeholders involved come together, put their heads together, and collaborate sincerely to find lasting solutions. By working in unity and with a shared sense of purpose, they can address the challenges facing Nigerian football and ensure that things are put back on the right track for the benefit of the nation and its passionate supporters.
