Gusau 4×4 Forum Urges NFF Stability, Backs Ibrahim Gusau for 2030 World Cup Qualification

The South East Coordinator of the Gusau 4×4 Solidarity Forum, Chief Uzo Epundu, has called on Nigerian football stakeholders to maintain stability in the administration of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), urging support for the re-election of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Epundu said Nigeria possesses the quality and depth of talent required to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but warned that administrative inconsistency could derail the country’s ambitions.

According to him, FIFA’s recent assessment of Nigeria’s World Cup prospects highlighted the importance of stability in football administration as a key ingredient for success.

“FIFA has said it all. One crucial factor that will determine the Super Eagles’ qualification for football’s biggest tournament is stability. Ibrahim Musa Gusau has done well and should be encouraged to continue in office to consolidate on the progress already made,” Epundu stated.

He noted that while the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most talented national teams, sustained leadership and a well-structured football administration would be essential to translating that talent into qualification for the 2030 Mundial.

FIFA, in its review of Nigeria’s prospects, acknowledged the country’s rich football heritage and abundance of talent but stressed that success in the next qualification campaign would depend more on stability than ability.

“The Super Eagles have soared into the last 16 at half of the six World Cup tournaments that they have contested, namely in 1994, 1998 and 2014, but have been absent from the last two editions,” FIFA stated.

Nigeria narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short during the qualifying campaign under coach Eric Chelle. Despite the disappointment, FIFA maintained that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most promising football nations.

However, the world football governing body cautioned that talent alone would not guarantee qualification for the expanded 2030 World Cup.

“Making it to the 2030 showpiece will therefore hinge less on ability than on stability in the shape of a robust structure that paves the way for reliable performances,” FIFA added.

Epundu said the FIFA assessment should serve as a guide for Nigerian football stakeholders, insisting that preserving continuity in the leadership of the NFF would enhance the Super Eagles’ chances of returning to the World Cup after missing the last two editions.