The Senate Committee on Sports, led by Chairman Abdul Ahmed Ningi, has expressed serious concern over Nigeria’s recent football setbacks, particularly the failure of both senior national teams to qualify for their respective FIFA World Cups.
The committee met with National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Wednesday to seek explanations for the country’s declining fortunes.
Ningi said the meeting was convened to understand why Nigeria’s national teams have continued to struggle despite the significant motivational support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to players and officials.
The committee’s concern comes after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also missed out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.
The back-to-back failures have intensified questions over the preparation, administration and technical management of Nigeria’s national teams.
The Senate committee is particularly interested in understanding why the substantial incentives and support provided to the teams have not translated into the expected results.
The meeting with the NFF and NSC therefore provides an opportunity for the country’s football authorities to account for their respective responsibilities and explain the factors behind the recent setbacks.
The development also comes amid growing calls for structural reforms in Nigerian football, with former internationals and other stakeholders divided over whether the primary problem lies with the NFF leadership, the wider football administration or deeper systemic issues.
The Senate’s intervention adds another layer of scrutiny as Nigerian football authorities face increasing pressure to identify the causes of the decline and implement practical solutions.
The central question before the sports authorities is now how Nigeria can translate its financial investment and football talent into consistent success with the national teams.
