The Road Back to the World Cup for Osimhen, Lookman and the Super Eagles

As Nigerians continue to lament the absence of the Super Eagles from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, renowned sports journalist Ikedi Isiguzo has warned that Nigeria may still fail to qualify for the next World Cup unless critical reforms are implemented.

According to him, Nigeria has a lot of work to do, and the task is far greater than a four-year project. Speaking recently with True Vision Online Television anchor Ebere Aniebo, Isiguzo identified accountability, the development of football infrastructure in line with FIFA programmes, human capacity development across the football value chain, and improved player welfare as essential ingredients for success. He also stressed that reviving the domestic league remains crucial to any football renaissance capable of returning Nigeria to the World Cup and keeping the country competitive at that level.

Drawing a comparison with the past, he said: “It was not just about having players in English clubs or other big teams. We had strong leagues and strong home-based players. Then, if there were gaps, we looked elsewhere. Now, you hardly have anybody from the local league in the national team.”

For details of this no-holds-barred interview, visit our YouTube channel, True Vision Online Television.

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