Ex Sports Minister urges Presidential Task Force for 2026 World Cup

Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Presidential Task Force PTF to help the Super Eagles secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking in a radio interview, Dalung stressed that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying are slim and would require extraordinary measures to overcome the current challenges.

Dalung noted that Nigeria is already at the bottom of their qualifying group, and without urgent intervention, the Super Eagles may miss out on the prestigious tournament. We are a giant that has fallen, and we need a miracle to qualify, he remarked, emphasizing the need for emergency administrative action.

He urged the government to act swiftly, citing that without such measures, Nigeria risks being left out of the 2026 World Cup. Dalung also criticized former Sports Minister John Enoh, who was recently moved to another ministry, for failing to consult previous sports ministers and experts during his tenure.

Editorial

The Super Eagles’ struggles in their World Cup qualification campaign are a matter of national concern. As Nigerians, we take pride in our footballing heritage, but the current state of affairs threatens to diminish our standing on the global stage. Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung’s call for a Presidential Task Force reflects the gravity of the situation.

The idea of a task force may seem extreme, but extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If Nigeria is to have any chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, swift and decisive action is necessary. Dalung is right to highlight the need for administrative intervention, as the leadership vacuum within Nigerian sports has contributed to the current crisis.

The Super Eagles have always been a symbol of hope and unity in Nigeria, and the thought of missing out on the World Cup is unthinkable. Therefore, we believe that all stakeholders, from the government to the footballing community, must rally together to turn the situation around. The creation of a Presidential Task Force could catalyze much-needed reform and focus.

While the road ahead is challenging, with collective effort and the right strategies, Nigeria can still revive its World Cup dreams. But time is of the essence, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will determine the fate of our football team on the global stage.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria has qualified for six FIFA World Cup tournaments, starting in 1994.
2. The Super Eagles’ best performance at the World Cup was reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014.
3. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three nations will co host the event.
4. Nigeria’s current FIFA ranking as of 2024 places them outside the top 30 in the world.
5. The last time Nigeria missed a World Cup was in 2006.