Super Eagles' disjointed World Cup qualifiers campaign, a loud cry for improvement - Mrs. Sabina Chikere

...Calls on team to focus on 2025 AFCON finals

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 

  

  

  

  

The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, (ESSC), Mrs Sabina Chikere has described Nigeria's woeful 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign as an earsplitting cry for further improvement in the Nigerian football scene.

  

The Giants of Africa, the biggest black nation, was wounded on Sunday, drenched in avoidable disgrace on Moroccan turf as they lost to DR Congo, 4-3 on penalties following 1-1 full-time draw.

Mrs Sabina Chikere who watched the game from home, was visibly pained by the humiliating loss, labeling the game as a shocker.

She stated that she was very confident in the Super Eagles' side, led by Victor Osimhen, but was left in disarray as the FIFA number 41 side bowed out of the race to a team ranked 60.

Mrs Sabina Chikere further stated that the loss highlights the undeniable need for improvement on the part of the National Football Federation, (NFF), and the Head coach of the team, Eric Chelle.

She gave her verdict on Tuesday in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye, emphasizing that with the quality of players at our disposal, "we Nigerians deserve better results, from former African Players of the Year, Victor Osimhen and Lukeman Ademola, to Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi and Wilfred Ndidi.”

“Every player in our team are of the highest quality, precious gems in their various clubs,” she stressed, but yesterday's game failed to reflect this, she added.

Despite the unexpected loss Mrs. Sabina Chikere still believes that the players deserve commendation.

  

“Although yesterday’s result was disappointing, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our players. You fought with courage, passion, and resilience, and even in defeat, you showed the spirit that makes Nigeria proud.

“Football comes with highs and lows, but what truly matters is the heart you put into the game. We see your hard work, your sacrifices, and your commitment to representing our country. Please keep your heads high — this is not the end, but a stepping stone to greater victories.

“Nigeria stands behind you. We believe in you. Keep pushing, keep growing, and keep giving us reasons to hope. Better days are ahead.

“Thank you for your efforts, and onward we go! 🇳🇬,” she expressed.

Mrs. Sabina Chikere called on the Super Eagles' team to draw lessons from the loss and channel this into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Morocco, the home of African football.

The Edo State Sports executive director further emphasized that if the Nigeria Football Federation learns the needed lessons from the shocking loss then we can be assured of making it through the final.

She concluded by expressing her appreciation towards His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, through the National Sports Commission, (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Chief Honourable Bukola Olopade for the unending support given to the team during the qualifiers campaign.