Sports
Gusau 4×4 Forum Urges NFF Stability, Backs Ibrahim Gusau for 2030 World Cup Qualification
The South East Coordinator of the Gusau 4×4 Solidarity Forum, Chief Uzo Epundu, has called on Nigerian football stakeholders to maintain stability in the administration of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), urging support for the re-election of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Epundu said Nigeria possesses the quality and depth of talent required to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but warned that administrative inconsistency could derail the country’s ambitions.
According to him, FIFA’s recent assessment of Nigeria’s World Cup prospects highlighted the importance of stability in football administration as a key ingredient for success.
“FIFA has said it all. One crucial factor that will determine the Super Eagles’ qualification for football’s biggest tournament is stability. Ibrahim Musa Gusau has done well and should be encouraged to continue in office to consolidate on the progress already made,” Epundu stated.
He noted that while the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most talented national teams, sustained leadership and a well-structured football administration would be essential to translating that talent into qualification for the 2030 Mundial.
FIFA, in its review of Nigeria’s prospects, acknowledged the country’s rich football heritage and abundance of talent but stressed that success in the next qualification campaign would depend more on stability than ability.
“The Super Eagles have soared into the last 16 at half of the six World Cup tournaments that they have contested, namely in 1994, 1998 and 2014, but have been absent from the last two editions,” FIFA stated.
Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short during the qualifying campaign under coach Eric Chelle. Despite the disappointment, FIFA maintained that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most promising football nations.
However, the world football governing body cautioned that talent alone would not guarantee qualification for the expanded 2030 World Cup.
“Making it to the 2030 showpiece will therefore hinge less on ability than on stability in the shape of a robust structure that paves the way for reliable performances,” FIFA added.
Epundu said the FIFA assessment should serve as a guide for Nigerian football stakeholders, insisting that preserving continuity in the leadership of the NFF would enhance the Super Eagles’ chances of returning to the World Cup after missing the last two editions.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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