World football governing body Federal of International Football Association has said Nigeria possesses the talent to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup but must build a more stable football structure to return to the global showpiece.
In its assessment of the Super Eagles published on its website on Wednesday, FIFA noted that Nigeria has reached the Round of 16 in three of its six FIFA World Cup appearances but has failed to qualify for the last two editions.
The Super Eagles made the knockout stage at the 1994, 1998 and 2014 tournaments but were absent from the 2018 and 2026 World Cups.
During the qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament, Nigeria finished second behind South Africa in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, earning a place in the second round to determine Africa’s representatives at the intercontinental play-offs.
Eric Chelle’s side overcame Gabon 4-1 after extra time to reach the final qualifying fixture but fell short against the Democratic Republic of Congo, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
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Despite the disappointment, FIFA maintained that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s football powerhouses due to its vast pool of talent.
According to the football governing body, the country’s chances of returning to the World Cup in 2030 will depend less on the quality of its players and more on establishing a stable system capable of producing consistent results.
FIFA said, “The Super Eagles have soared into the last 16 at half of the six World Cup tournaments that they have contested, namely in 1994, 1998 and 2014, but have been absent from the last two editions.
“The three-time continental champions were runners-up to South Africa in Group C of CAF qualifying for this year’s extravaganza. That was enough to earn a spot in the second round, which determined who would go through to the intercontinental play-offs. Having got the better of Gabon 4-1 after extra time, however, Eric Chelle’s charges came unstuck against Congo DR in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw in the decider.
“Nevertheless, with the country’s vast footballing production line, Nigeria’s potential remains enormous. Making it to the 2030 showpiece will therefore hinge less on ability than on stability in the shape of a robust structure that paves the way for reliable performances.”
Adetutu has three years experience in publishing stories on gender, health, education, metro and fact-checking.
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Source: The Punch
