W/Cup debacle: Minister summons NFF, demands technical report over poor results

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan 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 and made available to Sporting Tribune on Monday in Abuja.

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.