Govt Plans Presidential Task Force for Super Eagles 2026 World Cup Qualifying Campaign

By Our Correspondent

SPORTSGISTER has exclusively gathered that the Federal Government is now studying the possibility of setting up a special Presidential Task Force to oversee the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign of the Super Eagles after a disastrous start in the series.

The three-time African champions got off to a very disappointing start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after they forced Lesotho to a 1-1 draw at home in Uyo, before another 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Rwanda three days later.

They are now third in Group C on two points with Rwanda the surprise leaders on four points, while South Africa have three points.

The Eagles will resume the qualifying tournament in June 2024 with a home game against main rivals South Africa, before a tricky trip to next-door neighbours Benin.

Officials said Government is disturbed that the NFF are not capable of delivering a World Cup ticket and so the need for a Presidential Task Force to ensure that nothing is left to chance this time around.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when they lost to arch-rivals Ghana on the away goals rule.

Both perennial West African rivals drew 0-0 in Kumasi, before the Black Stars held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in Abuja in March 2022.

It would be recalled that a Presidential Task Force was set up to qualify the country to the 2010 World Cup, which was hosted for the very first time in Africa by South Africa.