In the aftermath of Nigeria’s shock defeat to Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, said that measures are being taken to address the team’s woes and secure qualification for the prestigious tournament.

When asked about the possibility of changing coaches or retaining Finidi George, who was appointed in April, the NFF President, in a video posted by photojournalist, Pooja, via X on Thursday, responded with a mix of acknowledgement and optimism.

“It’s a very sad moment for Nigerian football, we can’t run away from that,” he admitted.

“But all I want to assure you is that we are working tirelessly in collaboration with the minister to come out with some holistic measures that will change the face of the entire system so that we can move forward,” he said.

The NFF President, who was captioned to be speaking after a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, emphasised that qualification for the World Cup remains a realistic goal, stating, “Don’t forget that it’s still possible, and we’re going to make it. I just want to assure you that we are going to fight it to the letter, and Nigeria will go to the World Cup.”

Providing insight into the federation’s plans, he revealed, “Very soon, you are going to see the measures that NFF will come out with, and by the grace of God, those measures that we are going to take will lead us to qualify for the next World Cup.”

The NFF President also highlighted the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers as an opportunity to showcase the team’s progress. “Don’t also forget, before the next round of the (World Cup) qualifiers, we have the AFCON qualifiers, which almost all the six matches will be played before (World Cup) matches next year, and that, by the grace of God, will show Nigerians the kind of steps we have taken, we are going to take to make sure that we qualify for the World Cup.”

The NFF President further pleased Nigerians’ support and prayers stating, “I just finally want to assure Nigerians that they should continue to pray for us, but by the grace of God, I want to assure them we’re going to fight it to the letter, and we are going to qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Monday, were defeated 2-1 by Benin Republic in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Earlier last Friday, the team played a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The result of these fixtures means that Nigeria is now placed fifth in the six-team table, with six games left to play.

Nigeria, in four matches, has drawn three and lost one. (The PUNCH)

•Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, flanked by NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, and the Sports minister John Enoh during his unveiling.

Update news