2026 W/Cup qualifiers : Sports Minister calls for improvement from Super Eagles after draw in Uyo

In a fervent call to action, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed concern and offered encouragement following the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s recent game against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
Senator Enoh joined sports-loving Nigerians to watch the match with high expectations of a resounding victory for the Nigerian national team. However, the anticipated triumph fell short as the performance of the Super Eagles did not meet the anticipated standards.
“The Government and football-loving people of Nigeria take the qualification for the 2026 World Cup very seriously and want the Super Eagles to qualify,” Senator Enoh stated. “Having missed out on the 2022 world cup in Qatar ,qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not negotiable.”
Expressing urgency in rectifying the team’s performance, Senator Enoh urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to address the observed lapses from Thursday’s match. He stressed the need for a significant improvement ahead of the game against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
“I urge the Nigeria Football Federation to look into and correct all the lapses observed in Thursday’s match with the aim of putting in a much better performance in Rwanda on Sunday, November 19, 2023 against Zimbabwe.”
Addressing the broadcasting limitations that prevented some Nigerians from watching the national team in action, Senator Enoh highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to resolve the situation. He urged the NFF to register Nigeria’s dissatisfaction with the appropriate authorities.
“We understand that the qualifiers are FIFA-organized, and so the television broadcasting rights are in the World Football Governing Body’s purview,” he said.
“It is not good enough that many Nigerians could not watch their National team play in their country. A repeat of same should be avoided and NFF will be expected to register Nigeria’s displeasure with the appropriate authority in FIFA.”
While acknowledging the challenges, Senator Enoh rallied support for the Super Eagles, urging them to exhibit sharper gameplay throughout the remaining qualifying series.
“Nigerians are all rooting for your success,” he concluded, emphasizing the collective desire for the team’s advancement in the qualifiers.