Dalung Laments Nigeria’s W’Cup Hopes, Blames Poor Sports Management

Former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s struggling World Cup qualifying campaign, attributing the team’s woes to poor sports management and administration.

Dalung, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin’s palace in Kwara State, noted that since his departure from office six years ago, the Super Eagles have failed to replicate their past successes. He highlighted the team’s inability to qualify for the World Cup since 2018, despite qualifying with a match to spare that year.

The former minister identified a lack of leadership commitment to the sector as a major obstacle hindering the growth of football and sports in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for determined leadership to drive the sport forward, citing the absence of a Ministry of Sports and the reliance on the National Sports Commission, which is more technical in nature.

Dalung also lamented the impact of frequent policy changes and leadership summersaults on the sport. He stressed that even with the best coach in the world, the lack of political will to inspire players and mobilize Nigerians would continue to hinder the team’s progress.

While Dalung acknowledged that Nigeria’s World Cup hopes may not be entirely lost, he expressed disappointment over the team’s recent loss to Zimbabwe, which has set back their qualifying campaign.