Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup have been dwindling since former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, left office six years ago. Dalung expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, attributing their struggles to poor sports management and administration.
According to Dalung, the Super Eagles have not been able to replicate their successful qualification for the 2018 World Cup, where they qualified with a match to spare. He noted that the team’s current campaign has been disappointing, with the loss to Zimbabwe being a significant setback.
Dalung identified a lack of leadership commitment to the sports sector as a major factor hindering the growth of football and general sports in the country. He emphasized the need for determined leadership to drive sports administration and policy.
Key Challenges Facing Nigerian Football
- Lack of Committed Leadership: Dalung stressed that the absence of committed leadership has hindered the growth of sports in Nigeria.
- Poor Sports Management: The former minister attributed the Super Eagles’ struggles to poor sports management and administration.
- Administrative Inefficiencies: Dalung noted that the abolition of the Ministry of Sports and its replacement with the National Sports Commission has created a void in sports administration.
The Way Forward
Dalung’s comments highlight the need for urgent reforms in Nigerian football. To revive the team’s fortunes, the Nigerian Football Federation and the government must work together to address the challenges facing the sport.
This includes appointing a competent leadership team, improving sports management and administration, and providing adequate support for the team.