The National Sports Commission chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation with ensuring the Super Eagles secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria currently occupies fifth place in their qualifying group with three points from four matches, trailing group leaders Rwanda by four points.
With six games left to play, the pressure is on the Super Eagles to turn their campaign around.
During a visit by to the NSC Secretariat, NFF President tAlhaji Ibrahim Gusau, discussions centered on the importance of Nigeria securing the group’s sole World Cup ticket.
“The NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau was at the NSC Secretariat today to brief the National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifiers billed for March. Discussions highlighted the need to ensure that the Super Eagles secure the group’s solitary ticket,” the NSC wrote on their official X account.
The Super Eagles, now under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, face decisive matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
These encounters will be critical as they look to revive their World Cup qualification hopes for the tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Chelle, who took charge just weeks ago, has made it clear that qualifying for the World Cup is his top priority before turning his focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“We need to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first, and after that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we need to win two games in March,” Chelle told Pooja Media.
The Franco-Malian coach emphasized, “As I’ve said before, my focus is on my players and March. We need to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first, and after that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we need to win two games in March.”
He further added, “This is a draw, there are four teams and anyone in the AFCON can win the tournament but now I need to watch and work with my players on the two games in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.”
Chelle will be counting on his squad to deliver positive results in Kigali and against Zimbabwe, with another round of qualifiers set for September and October.
Under Mallam Dikko’s leadership, the National Sports Commission has seen a remarkable boost in its budget allocation, which jumped from N29 billion in 2024 to over N94 billion in 2025—a 227 percent increase aimed at revitalizing Nigerian sports.
