2026 World Cup ticket: Okoku beams searchlight on Gusau’s second tenure

Former Green Eagles player, United States-based, Paul Okoku, says if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the response by Nigerians must be constructive, particularly, in examining both technical and administrative factors.

The Super Eagles, sitting in fourth position in their Group with just seven points, requires divine intervention to pick a ticket to the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

Okoku, assistant Flying Eagles captain in 1983, said in a message to The Guardian, that a transparent review of the team’s performance is necessary if Nigeria fails to pick the 2026 World Cup ticket.

“The disappointment that followed when the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup held in Qatar was profound,” he said. “For Nigerian football fans, the World Cup symbolises pride, unity, and national achievement. It is no surprise that, when results fall short, the backlash is swift and unforgiving. One of the first figures to face criticism is often the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). But the future of Nigerian football hinges on stability, strategic planning, and continuous development. As fans reflect on the nation’s footballing trajectory, the focus should remain on building a resilient and competitive Super Eagles, not merely on finding a scapegoat.

“If the Super Eagles fail to qualify this time, the second term tenure of the current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau should be judged on his overall leadership. If he has demonstrated vision, competence, and dedication, then a second ticket for him (Gusau) could be justified. True leadership means navigating through failures, making necessary adjustments, and steering the team toward sustainable progress,”