Sports Editors slam NFF over Eagles’ faltering World Cup campaign
The Guild of Sports Editors of Nigeria has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) handling of the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
With just two matches remaining, Nigeria sits third in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa (17 points) and Benin Republic (14 points), and faces an uphill battle to secure even a playoff spot.
Only the group winner is guaranteed automatic qualification for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The second-placed team may qualify for a playoff, but only if ranked among the four best runners-up across the continent.
As it stands, Nigeria’s chances are slim unless both South Africa and Benin suffer unexpected setbacks and the Super Eagles win their final two matches with convincing scorelines.
In a statement signed by Guild President Tony Ubani and Secretary Dare Esan, the editors lamented the lack of foresight and urgency shown by the NFF since the qualification format was announced in 2023.
They criticized the Federation for failing to appoint a substantive manager promptly after parting ways with Jose Peseiro, whose tenure yielded just two points from two matches.
‘The handling of the Finidi George situation did not reflect a federation prepared to rescue Nigeria’s fading hopes,’ the statement read.
‘It is regrettable that the NFF allowed indiscipline and distractions to infiltrate the team’s camp, with content creators and gadgets taking precedence over focus and professionalism.’
The Guild also condemned the NFF’s silence when Zimbabwe and Lesotho opted to play their home fixtures in South Africa, effectively giving the group leaders six home games out of nine. ‘This arrangement handed South Africa a massive advantage, and the NFF failed to challenge it,’ the editors noted.
Further criticism was directed at the lack of discipline within the Super Eagles’ camp, citing late arrivals and inadequate preparation. Before Nigeria’s last home game against Lesotho, full training only began on Wednesday for a Saturday fixture, as Coach Eric Chelle had just received his complete squad.
The Guild urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate key stadiums in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu to provide viable alternatives to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, where results have faltered.
‘Having multiple home venues could have revitalized the campaign when Uyo stopped delivering wins,’ they said.
Concluding their statement, the editors warned that Nigeria is on the brink of missing another World Cup and called for immediate intervention.
‘We urge the Federal Government to support the NFF in ensuring the Super Eagles win their final two matches. Qualification for the playoffs is still mathematically possible, and Nigeria cannot afford another absence from the world’s biggest football stage.’
