Senate frowns at NFF, NSC over dismal performances of Nigeria Soccer teams

The Nigerian Senate has voiced strong disappointment and dismay regarding the dismal performances of the nation's soccer teams. This sentiment stems from the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons' inability to secure a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

In response, Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, convened an emergency meeting with Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The meeting, held at Senator Ningi's office, was prompted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio's inquiry into the state of Nigerian sports.

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I have the authority of the Senate President on this very important meeting who recently asked me that Senator Ningi, what is happening in sports, what is happening in football? So this meeting was a preamble to the explanation I will offer the Senate when it reconvenes next month on the state of Sports and, in particular, Football in Nigeria today and steps being taken to reposition it for better results.

Senator Ningi explained that the meeting served as a prelude to a more comprehensive explanation he will provide to the Senate upon its reconvening next month. This explanation will detail the current condition of sports, particularly football, in Nigeria and outline the steps being taken to improve future results. He emphasized the need for the NSC and NFF to collaborate effectively, noting their current divergence.

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I called them to close ranks, that is , the Nigerian Football Federation and the National Sports Commission because as it is today, they are wide apart. They are heading for a meeting probably in the Villa. So, for now, it’s work in progress.

The discussions also addressed the reasons behind the recent poor performances, despite substantial motivational packages provided by President Bola Tinubu to players and officials. Ningi highlighted the president's significant financial support, including substantial bonuses for players and officials, and the near quadrupling of the sports ministry's budget, questioning what further motivation athletes might require.

Despite calls from some football enthusiasts for the NFF's disbandment, the Senate, in conjunction with other stakeholders, is committed to ensuring that any actions taken will be within the bounds of the law. The focus remains on understanding the root causes of the teams' underperformance and implementing measures for future success.

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Recall, in a very long time, the government never compensated sportsmen and women, but the president, in his magnanimity, dished out a hundred thousand (dollars) each to players and officials, and what more will you need from a nation that is battling with the lives of over 220 million Nigerians? I thought the president had done all that he could in motivating them. As the chairman of the Senate committee, I’ve seen that the president has almost quadrupled the sports ministry’s budget.