Former Gombe State Football Association chairman Shuaibu Gara Gombe has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to abandon its plans to appeal FIFA’s decision rejecting Nigeria’s petition against the DR Congo national team.
Gara-Gombe described the situation as one driven more by politics than football, insisting that Nigeria does not currently have the influence required to succeed at that level.
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“At this stage, it is purely politics,” he said.
According to him, continuing to pursue an appeal would only prolong the issue without producing any meaningful outcome.
“Nigeria does not have the know-how or people who can play the politics at FIFA level,” he added.
The football administrator stressed that the federation should instead accept the situation and focus on rebuilding the national team for future competitions.
He warned that engaging in prolonged disputes with global football authorities could distract from more important tasks such as planning, development, and improving performance on the pitch.
“They should forget about the appeal and start planning ahead,” he advised.
Gara-Gombe’s comments echo similar sentiments from other stakeholders who believe Nigeria should move on from the controversy and concentrate on long-term solutions.
He concluded by urging the NFF to channel its energy into strengthening domestic football structures and ensuring better preparation for future qualification campaigns
