The Federal Government has charged the Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be resilient and determined to ensure that Nigeria’s Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Minister of Sports Mr. John Enoh set the World Cup target while speaking at the 2024 Annual General Assembly of the Federation on Friday at the Delta State Government House Conference Hall, Asaba.
He said the government and the people of Nigeria are not expecting anything less than the World Cup ticket from the Super Eagles and they also are expected to bring home the AFCON trophy from Morocco.
Mr. Enoh also urged the Federation to end the lingering crisis about the tenure of the board’s Secretary General alongside the issue of a deserving gaffer for the men’s senior national team (technical adviser ).
He also reminded the federation of the issue of implementing the football master plan, which was crafted for the running of football activities in the country.
The Minister commended the leadership style of the federation led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON and reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the activities of the Federation is unwavering, adding that thePresident Tinubu is committed to the development of football and Sports activities in the country.
Mr. Enoh emphasized the role football plays in uniting the country and advised the football family to be united and avoid putting sentiment or personal interest that would cause rancour in the system.
He then commended the current board of the federation, for the success they have recorded so far and urged them to redouble their efforts in improving the standard of the country’s domestic league.
The Minister revealed to the Congress that he has and maintains a good working relationship with Nigeria Football Federation’s President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, hinting that they are in regular consultations with each other, whenever the need arises.
On his part the former NFF president and board member in the world soccer ruling body (FIFA) Mr. Pinnick Amaju endorsed Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON for the second time in the 2026 federation elections, he advised those who are willing to contest with him to forget it and support Gusau to continue in moving Nigeria football forward.
Mr. Amaju also urged the football federation board members led by Gusau to re-appoint Dr. Muhammad Sunusi as the General Secretary of the board.
“The Executive Committee of the Nigeria football federation led by Gusau should consider the reappointment of Dr. Muhammad Sunusi as the General Secretary of the Federation because of his wealth and vast experience in running the affairs of football,” Amaju stated.
He said all the success he recorded during his tenure as president of the NFF relies on the commitments and dedication of Dr. Muhammad Sunusi.
Declaring the Assembly opened, Delta State Governor, Francis Sheriff, represented by his Deputy Sir. Monday Oyeme urged the congress to deliberate on how to move Nigeria football forward and assured the federation of his government’s support at all times.
Governor Shariff pointed out that some of the success his administration achieved in sports in the last one and half year, includes hosting and winning the national youth games two times in 2023 and 2024.
Earlier the President of NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his untiring support to NFF and the football family in general.
Alhaji Gusau thanked the Congress members for their support and cooperation with the Executive Committee of the Federation and assured them that they would continue doing anything humanly possible to improve Nigeria’s football.
The president expressed appreciation to Delta State Government for accepting to host the assembly and described Delta State as the home of sports.
The gathering was attended by all 36 states and FCT Abuja Football Association executives and other affiliated bodies within the federation.
