National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko Message of Hope After Nigeria vs Zimbabwe 2026 WC Qualifier

 






Not the result Nigeria wanted and desperately craved. Football sometimes can be brutal as it’s still a rude shock that the @NGSuperEagles dominated play for the entire 90 minutes of the match, created over 42 attacking play in the opponent box with over 10 clear and decent chances to score (which on a good day could have easily been goals) and gave very little opening to the opponents ended up drawing the match!

Nonetheless, I must commend the @NGSuperEagles players and the technical crew led by Eric Chelle for putting up a brilliant and determined performance as evident from the match  statistics as they gave their all to win the match, but it was just not meant to be.

However, on a balance of scales, the performance of the team during this window, both from the technical play, the team commitment and indeed the points garnered, is clearly an improvement from where the team was coming from and the positive pointers are that the future looks quite bright and exciting.

As regards the most important, immediate mission and objective to qualify to FIFA WC2026, thankfully by the competition rules, technical situation, remaining fixture schedule, providence and indeed the points garnered, Nigeria is still firmly in play just like most other teams in the group.  Winning the next 4 games would most likely see Nigeria 🇳🇬 through, based on the permutations and taking into cognizance the competition rules as well as FIFA disciplinary code.  Thus, everything is still in play and the team will remain focused on the mission with eyes firmly on the ball until the very end.

We at the National Sports Commission (NSC) @NatSportsComm and indeed the Federal Government @NGRPresident @NigeriaGov will continue to do all that is needed to ensure the provision of all the necessary enablers for the team to succeed.

Accordingly, during this qualification window, the National Sports Commission in collaboration with NFF @thenff collectively negotiated a revised remuneration and bonus structure with the team for the remainder  of the 6 Qualifying matches and the NSC made available the necessary funds to ensure the team were promptly paid after the Rwanda match in line to the agreement. Infact, for the Zimbabwe game, the team was paid all that was agreed a day before the match to further entrench the commitment of the NSC to the agreement and motivate the team. I must thank the team for agreeing to the new bonus structure which has provided more clarity and stability to the team and eliminating any distractions allowing for full concentration and focus on the mission at hand which is very evident from the determined and solid performances of the team during the window. The commitment of the team to the mission was never in doubt!

Additionally, to further motivate the team, on 21st March 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR @officialABAT promptly approved and directed the Minister of FCT @GovWike and Minister of works @realdaveumahi to fastrack the conclusion of processing and ensure the prompt delivery of the plots of Land and Houses in Abuja that the FGN promised the team last year. This clearly underscores  Mr. President's exceptional and remarkable commitment to the team and indeed sports development in Nigeria 🇳🇬!! The team was very much appreciative of the President's gesture and vowed to continue give their very best for the country. 

In conclusion, with the training camp and 3 friendly Matches being planned for the team in June 2025 window, it would certainly provide a platform for the technical crew to reset, mould and perfect the team in preparation for the continuation of the qualifiers in September 2025 and the mission  ahead.

I must thank and specially appreciate 🙏 the fans for the wonderful support in a united front and standing  with the team throughout! All being equal the final outcome will surely repay the fans with the desired WC Ticket !

The Game is still on and WE KEEP BELIEVING!!