The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria currently sits in fifth place in their qualifying group with just three points from four matches, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points. With six games left in the campaign, the Eagles must improve their performance to secure the group’s sole qualification ticket.
Dikko’s statement followed a visit from NFF President Ibrahim Gusau to the NSC Secretariat, where he provided updates on the team's preparation for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in March.
"The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, visited the NSC Secretariat to brief Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Discussions focused on the need to secure Nigeria’s qualification," the NSC posted on X.
Under newly appointed coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March—two must-win matches that could determine their fate in the qualifiers.
Chelle has already emphasized that securing a World Cup spot is his main priority before shifting focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"We must concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first. After that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. Right now, we need to win our two games in March," Chelle told Pooja Media.
The coach hopes to revive Nigeria’s qualification chances with victories against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe before regrouping for the remaining matches in September and October.
Meanwhile, under Dikko’s leadership, Nigeria’s sports sector has seen a major budget increase, jumping from N29 billion in 2024 to over N94 billion in 2025—a 227% rise aimed at revitalizing the industry.
