President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau has expressed unwavering confidence in the Country’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the current struggles in the qualifiers.
Gusau responded to mounting concerns about the team’s underwhelming start, especially their failure to win any home matches so far in the qualification series, per Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
“All I know is that we are doing our best to prepare the team,” Gusau said.
“Even though we have not won a match at home, we have not lost a match also. We still have matches to play at home. I still have the belief that we are going to be in the USA, Mexico and Canada.”
On the future of head coach Eric Chelle, whose appointment came during a turbulent period for the national team, Gusau urged for patience and context before making any final judgments.
“We cannot assess him with only one issue,” Gusau stated. “He met the team in a difficult situation. But if he continues in the way that he is doing and gets the results he’s supposed to get, we will look at what he has brought to the team. If there is hope for the future, we will take it from there.”
Asked whether Chelle would remain in charge even if Nigeria fails to qualify for the World Cup, Gusau did not give any assurances.
Gusau also pushed back against the idea of another last-minute coaching change, as seen with
Gernot Rohr before the 2021 AFCON.
“We don’t plan to take any decision [regarding the coach] at the last minute. We know that is
very dangerous,” he warned. “We are doing our best to give Eric Chelle whatever he wants.”
He further revealed that Chelle requested full control of the CHAN Eagles to scout domestic
talents, a request the Federation granted.
“I asked him what he needed to do his job, and he said he needed all his assistants to be with
him. I said ‘Fine’,” Gusau added.
While the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign remains uncertain, Gusau has highlighted
that the Federation is aiming for continuity and support, even amid growing pressure.
