Sports
Chukwuma Criticizes NFF, Urges Nigerians to Set Sights on 2030 World Cup
Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and owner of Gabros International FC, has strongly criticized the current leadership of Nigerian football, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for the declining state of the sport in the country.
In an interview with our correspondent, Chukwuma expressed frustration over the NFF’s failure to secure a top-tier manager for the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin Republic. He lamented that with just days to these important matches, the team still lacks the leadership it needs.
Chukwuma voiced his dissatisfaction with Gusau’s tenure, citing recent failures such as the Super Falcons’ poor performance at the Paris Olympics, where they lost all their group matches and failed to advance. He also criticized the NFF’s consideration of hiring Janne Andersson, a coach with a track record of underperformance, having failed to qualify Sweden for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
Additionally, Chukwuma highlighted the problematic decision to potentially appoint another local coach who previously mishandled the team’s chances in a prior Nations Cup. He suggested that Gusau and his team appear to lack a coherent strategy, leading to their apparent failure.
Chukwuma advised Nigerian football fans to set their sights on the 2030 FIFA World Cup rather than the 2026 edition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He believes that the current NFF’s mismanagement has severely compromised Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup.
He also urged the federal government to reconsider its investment in the current World Cup campaign and instead redirect funds towards preparing for the 2030 World Cup, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach moving forward.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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