Following Nigeria’s unexpected loss to Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round, Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, announced that steps were being made to resolve the team’s problems and guarantee qualification for the esteemed event.
In a video published by photojournalist Pooja via X on Thursday, the NFF President addressed the prospect of keeping Finidi George, who was hired in April, or switching coaches. His response was a mixture of acknowledgment and optimism.
“We cannot avoid the fact that Nigerian football is going through a very sad moment,” he said.
“But I just want to reassure you that we are working very hard with the minister to develop some comprehensive policies that will transform the system as a whole so that we can proceed,” he said.
Qualifying for the World Cup is still a feasible goal, according to the NFF President, who was stated to be speaking following a meeting with Minister of Sports Development John Enoh. He said, “Don’t forget that it’s still possible, and we’re going to make it.” I simply want to reassure you that Nigeria will make it to the World Cup and that we will fight it to the bitter end.
With a glimpse into the federation’s intentions, he disclosed, “You will see the measures that NFF will come out with very soon, and with God’s grace, those measures that we are going to take will lead us to qualify for the next World Cup.”
The NFF President also emphasized the chance to demonstrate the team’s advancement throughout the next African Cup of Nations qualifiers. “Remember that the AFCON qualifiers are coming up before the next round of the World Cup qualifiers. Almost all six of those matches will take place before World Cup matches next year, and with any luck, that will demonstrate to Nigerians the kind of steps we have taken and will take to ensure that we qualify for the World Cup.”
“I just finally want to assure Nigerians that they should continue to pray for us, but by the grace of God, I want to assure them we’re going to fight it to the letter and we are going to qualify for the World Cup,” said the NFF President, expressing even more gratitude for the prayers and support of the country’s citizens.
In the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Benin Republic defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Monday.
In the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier last Friday, the team faced off against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and ended up drawing 1-1.
With six games remaining, Nigeria is now ranked fifth in the six-team standings as a consequence of these matches.
Nigeria has won three and lost one of its four games.
