Chukwuma Criticizes NFF, Urges Nigerians to Abandon Hopes for 2026 World Cup
Prince Jean
Aug 22, 2024
Former NFF Vice President Gabriel Chukwuma Criticizes NFF Leadership, Advises Nigerians to Shift Focus from 2026 World Cup
Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and proprietor of Gabros International FC, has strongly criticized the current leadership of Nigerian football, led by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, accusing them of driving the nation’s football into a state of decline.
Speaking to our correspondent, a visibly frustrated Chukwuma expressed deep concerns about the future of Nigerian football, particularly with the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Rwanda and Benin Republic. He pointed out that the NFF has yet to secure a world-class coach for the Super Eagles, a situation he believes jeopardizes Nigeria's chances in these critical fixtures.
"This situation brings me back to my initial stance that Gusau has no place in the NFF leadership. Our football teams have been performing poorly, with the latest disappointment being the Super Falcons' failure at the Paris Olympics, where they lost all their group-stage matches and missed qualification for the second round,"
Chukwuma said.
He further criticized the NFF’s rumored decision to consider Swedish coach Janne Andersson, who failed to qualify Sweden for both the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the Euro 2024 Championship in Germany. "What exactly is he coming to do with the Super Eagles? Dance ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Gwom’ music or what?” Chukwuma questioned sarcastically.
Chukwuma also expressed concern about the appointment of a local coach with a history of disappointing performances in previous Nations Cup tournaments.
"This only confirms that Gusau and his associates never had a solid plan from the beginning. They’ve set up Nigerian football for failure with their lack of vision,"
he added.
In a damning conclusion, Chukwuma advised Nigerian football fans to forget about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"With the current lack of focus and planning from Gusau’s administration, I don’t see Nigeria winning the remaining qualifiers under these inexperienced coaches. Instead, fans should start looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup."
He further urged the federal government to reconsider its financial support for the 2026 World Cup campaign.
"It's clear that our chances have been ruined by Gusau's NFF. The government would be better off saving resources for the 2030 World Cup preparations, which should begin immediately,"
Chukwuma concluded.
