Nigerian Ministry of Sports to Meet with Football Federation Leadership to Discuss Rescue Plan for World Cup Qualification

On June 13, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, will convene with the top brass of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to reassess the national team’s performance in the World Cup qualifiers and explore strategies to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Africa will have 9.5 berths in the 2026 tournament, with the 54 member associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) divided into nine groups of six teams each. The group winners will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will contest play-offs for the final 0.5 spot. As an African football powerhouse, Nigeria’s qualification prospects have become challenging after four matches, recording three draws and one loss, accumulating only three points.

According to reports, Minister Enoh is set to meet with NFF officials next week to discuss ways to aid Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations. The Nigerian government might establish a special rescue committee to ensure the Super Eagles’ participation in the 2026 event. Sources reveal that the Vice President’s office is also exploring means to assist Nigeria’s World Cup push and may promote a coalition of football experts, though it remains unclear if the Ministry of Sports will be part of this initiative.

Furthermore, Liameed Gafaar, the owner of Nigeria’s 36 Lions FC, has called on the NFF to restructure its technical committee and improve its scouting system to identify and nurture football talent across the nation.