National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman, Shehu Dikko, has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with ensuring 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 remaining.
Dikko delivered his mandate during a visit by NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau to the NSC Secretariat, where preparations for the crucial March qualifiers were discussed.
“NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau was at the NSC Secretariat today to brief NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifiers billed for March. Discussions highlighted the need to ensure the Super Eagles secure the group’s solitary ticket,” the NSC shared via its official X account.
Under newly appointed coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in must-win matches as they fight for a spot in the global tournament, which the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host.
Chelle has repeatedly emphasized that securing World Cup qualification is his top priority before shifting focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December.
“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 tactician will aim to reignite Nigeria’s qualification hopes with victories against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe before regrouping the squad for the final four matches in September and October.
Meanwhile, under Dikko’s leadership, the NSC has secured a significant budget increase for sports development, with funding rising from N29bn in 2024 to over N94bn in 2025—a 227% boost aimed at revitalizing Nigerian sports.
