Sports
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau Salute Nigerians on Eld-al-Fitr Celebration, Expresses Confident in Super Eagles’ World Cup Qualification
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has sent a heartfelt Eld-al-fitr message to Nigerians, urging unity, patience, and continued support for the Super Eagles as they strive to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In his message, Gusau acknowledged the challenges the national team has faced in the early stages of the qualifiers but remained optimistic that with collective effort and determination, Nigeria will secure a spot at the prestigious tournament.
“Eld-al-fitr is a time of reflection, renewal, and faith. Just as we trust in God’s plan during this holy period, we must also trust in the process of building a stronger Super Eagles team,” Gusau stated.
Despite initial setbacks in the qualification campaign, Gusau expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing that the NFF is working tirelessly to provide the necessary support.
“Football, like life, comes with ups and downs. While our journey to the World Cup has not started as smoothly as we would have wanted, we are still in a strong position to qualify. The Super Eagles have the talent, the passion, and the commitment to succeed, and with the unwavering support of Nigerians, we will achieve our goal,”
Gusau reiterated the NFF’s commitment to ensuring that the team is adequately prepared for the remaining qualification matches. Plans are already in place for training camps and friendly matches in the next FIFA windows to fine-tune the squad.
He was full of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, and the leadership of National Sports Commission for remaining solidly behind the Federation and the team. He also highlighted the Federation’s ongoing collaboration with the government and stakeholders to address any financial or logistical challenges, ensuring that the players and coaching staff have all they need to deliver their best performances.
The NFF President called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the team, stressing that their encouragement plays a vital role in boosting the players’ morale.
“We have seen time and again how the passion of Nigerian fans can lift the Super Eagles to greatness. Let us continue to stand by our team, believe in their abilities, and push them towards success. Together, we can make World Cup qualification a reality,” Gusau concluded.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the crucial second half of the qualifiers, all eyes will be on their next set of matches, where they will look to turn their fortunes around and keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
