I might have said that Nigerians are currently crying after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but I've recalled...
I might have said that Nigerians are currently crying after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but I've recalled something — not every Nigerian is in a sad state. Occasionally, I wish I had the same indifference that some people show towards football, especially the Super Eagles.
I recall the night the Super Eagles were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup Playoff, when I was completely devastated, but beside me was my colleague, Mr. Itodo Daniel, who carried on with his work as though nothing had occurred. I wished I could be like him because I knew he returned home and slept soundly like a child.
My situation was unique because, right there in the office, I was extremely distressed. I had lost the drive and energy to work, let alone write about the football tragedy that had occurred before me. Meanwhile, as if adding insult to injury, my editor, Isiaka Wakili, put immense pressure on me to submit what I wished I hadn't been 'forced' to write. By the way, I recently found out that, in addition to his excellent command of the English language, Alhaji Wakili is also a sports enthusiast, particularly when it comes to football.
In the end, I succeeded in writing about how the more ambitious DR Congo had just dashed Nigeria's 2026 World Cup dreams. I wrote with tears and a heavy heart. It was difficult to comprehend how the Super Eagles gave up the Inter-continental Playoff spot to the Leopards of Congo.
Certainly, the indicators were clear, yet I still wished for a miracle to occur as before. Regrettably, the god of soccer, whom many believe to be Nigerian, abandoned us. The Super Eagles were left as common birds for dinner by DR Congo's Leopards.
It was truly a miracle how the Super Eagles forced the Congolese players into extra time. Their opponents should have concluded the match during regular time as they were firmly in control shortly after Victor Osimhen was substituted.
Perhaps the god of football intended to lead the Super Eagles nearly to the Promised Land, even though they wouldn't actually enter it. They were just a step away from securing a FIFA Playoff spot, but their inability to stay calm from the six-yard box ruined their chances.
Interestingly, Eric Chelle created a tense situation when he directed his anger towards his opponents, claiming they used 'juju' (voodoo) during the penalty kick. The coach was about to punch someone before being stopped by his staff.
Regrettably, he failed to recall the opportunities his reckless players had wasted throughout the game. He didn't reflect on his strategic mistakes, particularly when he kept his captain William Troost-Ekong on the sidelines as the penalty shootout approached. It is well known that in the current team, Ekong is among the top penalty takers. His success rate is quite impressive.
The French-Malian individual also overlooked the fact that he had not adequately prepared his team for the crucial moments, despite knowing that the game could come down to a penalty shootout. Therefore, he made numerous errors, but ultimately attempted to attribute the responsibility to someone else.
However, most people no longer pay attention to tales about the effectiveness of voodoo in football. Even if it had some influence in the past, advancements in science and technology within sports have clarified its mysteries. Still, Chelle, who continues to believe in the power of 'juju' to secure victories, did not equip his team with it.
After the most recent World Cup incident, many Nigerians are pushing for a complete overhaul of the team and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Supporters are dissatisfied with the physical and psychological stress inflicted by the current squad and its leadership. Fans claim they now watch the team with their hearts in their mouths. Indeed, those suffering from high blood pressure no longer watch the Super Eagles because they are aware of the potential outcomes. Certainly, those demanding accountability have valid grounds for their calls. The situation is continuously deteriorating, and the only solution is a thorough corrective measure.
Additionally, during the two prior instances when the Super Eagles did not make it to the World Cup, those primarily at fault, particularly the leadership, faced consequences. When Nigeria missed out on the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the then NFA president, Pa Ibrahim Galadima, made that controversial statement claiming the World Cup was not Nigeria's right, and he was subsequently compelled to resign.
In 2022, Amaju Pinnick was nearly achieving his historic third term goal until the Ghanaian Black Stars disrupted his plans by securing the World Cup qualification from the Super Eagles right here in Nigeria. This setback ultimately ended Pinnick's political aspirations, forcing him to give up on his third term ambitions.
Hence, the general sentiment among most Nigerians is that the current leadership of the NFF should suffer similar consequences for tarnishing the image of Nigerian football. Nevertheless, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, who is serving his first term, is likely to seek re-election. Prior to Pinnick breaking the trend, no other president of the NFA or NFF had served more than one term.
Therefore, Gusau's minimum goal is to secure a second term as NFF president. Although the Super Eagles might have tried to challenge him, given the current structure of the football federation and the existing leadership selection process, it would be very challenging to remove the football administrator from Zamfara State.
The system has been set up in a way that prevents outsiders from entering the group. Football officials, such as my friend Hon. Lumumba Dah Adeh and former Nigerian international, Chief Segun Odegbami, can confirm this unfortunate reality. In the past, individuals who had the necessary knowledge and experience in football management were hindered from joining to offer their input.
Therefore, the urgency to remove those in charge is clear. Nevertheless, this will not be a simple task as these individuals are protected by unbreakable helmets. Consequently, the involvement of the federal government will be necessary, provided we are willing to face a potential FIFA ban, in order to eliminate the leaders who have caused us so much suffering.
I don't want any harm to come to anyone, as I understand the implications of attaining or holding certain prominent roles in Nigerian football. Nevertheless, if giving up some individuals who have not contributed to positive changes could enable Nigeria to regain her former football success, then no sacrifice would be too great.
Furthermore, if consequences are to follow, most of the Super Eagles who played a significant role in our disgraceful defeat should be held accountable. Individuals who have repeatedly prioritized personal gain over national honor must step aside to make room for those with the correct mindset. We have endured enough shame at the hands of people who are quick to exploit us.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
