By Our Reporter
A football stakeholder, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, has absolved the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, of blame over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attributing the setback to internal sabotage and longstanding structural challenges within Nigerian football.
The Super Eagles missed out on qualification for the tournament after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the African qualifying playoffs, marking Nigeria’s second consecutive absence from football’s biggest competition following its failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking with journalists, Gara-Gombe said it would be unfair to hold Gusau solely responsible for the disappointing outcome, insisting that the qualification failure resulted from collective shortcomings within the football system.
“Football administration is a collective responsibility. It cannot be reduced to the actions or decisions of one individual,” he said.
According to him, although Gusau discharged his responsibilities as NFF president, several factors beyond his control contributed to the team’s inability to secure a World Cup ticket.
“Gusau may have performed his responsibilities diligently, but others within the football structure failed to deliver on their assignments,” he said.
Gara-Gombe alleged that some individuals within the system deliberately worked against efforts aimed at ensuring qualification.
“There were persons within the system whose actions undermined efforts to achieve qualification. Such developments amounted to sabotage,” he stated.
He noted that despite the circumstances, the NFF president accepted public criticism without shifting responsibility to others.
“A good leader takes responsibility during difficult times. Gusau absorbed the pressure and criticism instead of shifting blame to subordinates,” he said.
Describing Gusau as a humble administrator, Gara-Gombe said the NFF boss often acknowledged the contributions of others during successful periods while accepting responsibility during setbacks.
“When results are positive, he acknowledges contributions from others. When outcomes are poor, he shoulders the burden,” he added.
The football administrator 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,” he said.
He cited outstanding debts, including players’ bonuses and allowances, as well as controversies surrounding FIFA mini-stadia projects, among the issues inherited by the present administration.
“Many of the problems blamed on Gusau were inherited. The public often overlooks the historical context behind such issues,” Gara-Gombe said.
He further questioned why critics failed to acknowledge challenges that existed before Gusau assumed office.
“Was Gusau responsible for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup? The answer is clearly no,” he stated.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, many Nigerian football fans have expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament.
The development has reignited concerns over missed sporting, economic and developmental opportunities, while also denying several Nigerian stars the chance to showcase their talents on the global stage.
Gara-Gombe maintained that the qualification setback should be viewed within the broader context of systemic challenges confronting Nigerian football.
“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 to ensure better performances in future competitions. :
