Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with ensuring the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Dikko’s call came during a visit by NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau to the NSC Secretariat, where Gusau briefed Dikko on preparations for the March qualifiers. “We must secure the group’s sole World Cup ticket,” Dikko emphasised in the meeting.
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, the Super Eagles face crucial fixtures in March.
The Eagles, now under new coach Eric Chelle, will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in must-win matches. Chelle, appointed weeks ago, has made World Cup qualification his top priority. “We need to focus on the World Cup qualifiers first, then think about the Africa Cup of Nations in October,” Chelle said. “For now, we need to win the two games in March.”
Chelle aims to revitalise Nigeria’s qualification hopes with victories against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe before the team reconvenes for their final four matches in the qualifying series.
Under Dikko’s leadership, the NSC has seen a significant boost in the sports sector’s budget, with an increase from N29bn in 2024 to over N94bn in 2025, a 227% rise.
