2026 World Cup: Gara-Gombe absolves Gusau of Eagles’ qualification failure

By Victor Okoye

A football stakeholder, Ahmed  Gara-Gombe, has absolved Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, of blame for the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the African qualifying playoffs.

The setback marks Nigeria’s second consecutive absence from football’s biggest tournament, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Gara-Gombe told NAN on Monday that the qualification setback resulted from collective failures, internal sabotage, and longstanding structural problems inherited by the current NFF administration.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, participating countries have submitted their final squads to FIFA ahead of the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

For many Nigerians, however, excitement over football’s biggest event is overshadowed by disappointment following the Super Eagles’ absence from the competition.

The failure has revived painful memories and concerns over missed sporting, economic, and developmental opportunities for the country.

Many supporters had hoped to see Nigeria compete among the world’s football powers and challenge for honours on the global stage.

Others anticipated seeing leading striker Victor Osimhen and other stars showcase their talents before a worldwide audience.

Stakeholders also expected emerging players to announce themselves and contribute significantly to the team’s campaign.

Many believed the Super Eagles could emulate the achievements of Nigeria’s celebrated USA ’94 squad, widely regarded as the country’s finest generation.

With those hopes dashed, debates have intensified over who should bear responsibility for Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification.

While some critics blame players and technical officials, others have directed their criticism at the NFF leadership.

Gara-Gombe, however, argued that attributing the failure solely to Gusau was unfair and misleading.

“Football administration is a collective responsibility. It can not be reduced to the actions or decisions of one individual,” he said.

According to him, Gusau played his role as federation president but encountered obstacles beyond his direct control.

“Gusau may have performed his responsibilities diligently, but others within the football structure failed to deliver on their assignments,” he said.

The football administrator alleged that certain individuals worked against the federation’s objectives for personal interests.

“There were persons within the system whose actions undermined efforts to achieve qualification. Such developments amounted to sabotage,” Gara-Gombe said.

He maintained that the NFF president accepted criticism despite not being directly responsible for all operational decisions.

“A good leader takes responsibility during difficult times. Gusau absorbed the pressure and criticism instead of shifting blame to subordinates,” he said.

Gara-Gombe described Gusau as a humble administrator who often credited others for success while accepting responsibility during setbacks.

“When results are positive, he acknowledges contributions from others. When outcomes are poor, he shoulders the burden,” he said.

He also argued that the current NFF leadership inherited several challenges that predated Gusau’s administration.

“The foundation he met was already problematic. Correcting deep-rooted issues required time and careful management,” Gara-Gombe said.

According to him, some policies affecting coaching appointments and football operations were established before Gusau assumed office.

He added that outstanding debts, including players’ bonuses and allowances, were among challenges inherited by the current administration.

Gara-Gombe further cited controversies surrounding FIFA mini-stadia projects as issues that originated before Gusau became NFF president.

“Many of the problems blamed on Gusau were inherited. The public often overlooks the historical context behind such issues,” he said.

He questioned why critics ignored failures recorded before Gusau’s emergence as NFF president.

“Was Gusau responsible for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup? The answer is clearly no,” he said.

Gara-Gombe maintained that the Super Eagles’ qualification failure should be viewed within the broader context of systemic challenges.

“Gusau is not the problem of Nigerian football. Those blaming him alone are ignoring the real causes of the setback,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to focus on addressing structural deficiencies and strengthening football administration ahead of future competitions.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh