Sports

Our Target Is To secure 2026 World Cup Ticket, Win AFCON-NFF President

Published

3 years ago

October 3, 2023

Joel Ajayi

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua has revealed that his main target right now is for Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup that will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico as well as to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire, come January 13th to February 11th, 2024.

It’s exactly 10 years ago that Nigeria lifted the AFCON title in South Africa, President Gusua who is celebrating his 365 days in office said that is why the board is going the extra mile for the national teams to be in good shape before any competition.

Gusua while highlighting the activities of the NFF and the teams in one year of his Board in office, and also articulating expectations for the next year said that his board will work assiduously and diligently with the secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to see the Super Eagles off to a great start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and to win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

“We also want to see the Super Falcons reclaim their African title and return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Our expectations include making good progress in our plan for hostel accommodation and some playing pitches for the National Teams, through the FIFA Forward 3.0 program, and also see that the U17 and U20 Women’s National Teams achieve their best-ever outings at their different World Cups next year.”

The NFF boss said his team will also not allow any FIFA window for friendly matches to go unutilized.

“As you can see, we have arranged two matches for the Super Eagles in this month’s window, against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. Mozambique is in southern Africa where three of our opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, namely Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are.

Also, playing Mozambique is a good opportunity for the team to have a sneak preview of what to expect against these three teams.”

Share on Facebook

Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

Share on Facebook