2026 WCQ: Finidi still optimistic as Enoh queries NFF
Despite the Super Eagles standing fifth with three points, Head Coach Finidi George is still optimistic that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking with the media shortly after the game at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Finidi questioned the commitment of the players and noted that they did not give their best following the end of the 2023-2024 season.
Finidi told reporters: "It's to win but there's no special formula for that. We have to see how the players will start the new season and see how we can get the best out of the players.
"Everybody must be committed, with that commitment we'll win games. I believe we're going to win games and if we can win games the battle will still be there.
"We cannot throw in the towel because we have had only three points. We have to find a way to get these players back in a way for them to perform."
The Super Eagles don't return to World Cup qualifying action until March 2025 when they face Rwanda.
Elsewhere, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has called for a detailed technical report from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ disappointing performance during the June FIFA window.
The Super Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo last Friday and losing 2-1 to the Benin Republic in Abidjan in its Match Days 3 and 4 respectively in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
The woeful results leave the Super Eagles with a total of just three points from a possible twelve out of the four games played so far in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcomes considering the substantial support the NFF has received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addition to the kind of open and positive working relationship between the Ministry and the NFF.
“The recent results are unacceptable. Despite the immense support from President Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have underperformed. The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment caused both government and the generality of Nigerians,” Enoh said in a statement signed by his special adviser on media, Diana-Mary Nsan.
Enoh added that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF.
“Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards after the last AFCON.’’
