When the roll call of 48 national football teams that will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals taking place in the United States of America (USA) and co-hosts – Canada and Mexico, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be among the absentees. This is a very heart- breaking development for the team’s millions of followers and fans within the country and in other parts of the world.

The Eagles couldn’t fly to Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup finals when they failed to beat the Black Stars of Ghana in their final qualifying match against Ghana in Abuja.

It was in the North African country that the Nigerian footballers cried out at a press conference that the NFF had not paid them their match bonuses and allowances for almost four years. The Eagles even boycotted some of their training in Morocco as a result.

This development is a national embarrassment. The low spirited Eagles went on to lose their final play-off to DR Congo on penalties. This caused Nigeria another opportunity to make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Many Nigerians including a former captain of the National team Mikel Obi have called for the sack of the present NFF for failing the nation. This medium not only agrees with Obi, they should be probed. Nigeria’s football fans are also calling on President Bola Tinubu to show more than passive interest in the National embarrassment and pain caused this nation by an incompetent football administrators.

With the Super Eagles missing out on the 2026 World Cup the country’s reputation as a power in world football continues to diminish. While less rated countries like Cape Verde, Algeria and Tunisia are heading for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles will be resting at home for the second time in eight years.

 Sadly again, a generation of great players like Victor Osimhen, 2023 African footballer of the year award winner and his successor Ademola Lookman, will painfully miss out at the world’s biggest football event.

Of course, Nigeria will miss millions of dollars payments from FIFA for not participating in the earth-shaking competition.The team will equally lose out from endorsements from companies and private individuals. The players in particular have missed a great opportunity of transfer to bigger clubs with bigger salaries.

The USA provided a great avenue for the Super Eagles where they made their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals in 1994. The Eagles defeated Bulgaria 3-1, went on to beat Greece 2-0 but lost to Argentina 2-1. The team proceeded to the second round where they lost to Italy 2-1 via a dying minute goal by Roberto Bazio. The team had golden generation of players like Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike, goalkeeper Peter Rufai, Samson Siasia, Uche Okechukwu, Finidi George among others. Since then, Nigeria had participated in France 1998 World Cup, Korea/Japan 2002, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018

With more than six million tickets available for the tournament, and nearly two million already sold, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring together supporters from every corner of the globe for an unforgettable celebration of football across North America.

DAILY ASSET is of the view that to reposition the Super Eagles for the next FIFA World Cup, Nigeria should consider the issue of developing grassroots football and invest in youth development programs; infrastructure and coaching to identify and nurture talented young players.

The NFF should also improve its coaching and technical staff by hiring experienced coaches with international expertise to develop a strong team strategy and player development programs.

Additionally, NFF must of necessity embark on scouting and talent identification by Identifying and recruiting top players, both locally and abroad, to strengthen the team. In essence, every step must be taken to strengthen and improve our local league.

And most importantly, entrenching transparency and accountability to avoid any embarrassment of players in camp protesting like the case that was recently witnessed in Morocco.

Former Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79.

The American, who owned the club alongside George Gillett from 2007 to 2010, died surrounded by family at his home in Dallas, Texas.

“Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’ most cherished title was ‘Dad’,” read a statement from Hicks’ six children.

“No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family.

“He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honoured to continue expanding his legacy.

“Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children.

Hicks and Gillett sold Liverpool to Fenway Sports Group after encountering financial difficulties.

They were widely unpopular with Liverpool fans, running up debts of about £237m and failing to deliver on promises to renovate Anfield or build a new stadium.

In a statement, Liverpool said they send their condolences “to the Hicks family and Tom’s friends at this difficult time”.

Hicks also owned ice hockey team the Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011 and baseball team the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010.

Under Hicks’ ownership, the Stars won consecutive Central Division titles between 1996 and 1998 and the Stanley Cup in 1999.

The Rangers won three American League West Division titles, and were runners-up in the 2010 World Series.

Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda.

South Africa are on the brink of a first Test series win in India for 25 years after reducing the hosts to 27-2 in pursuit of 549 on day four in Guwahati.

India, who were skittled for 201 in their first innings, must bat throughout the final day to avoid a second whitewash in three home Test series.

Prior to last October’s 3-0 defeat by New Zealand, they hadn’t lost a Test series on home soil for 12 years.

South Africa won the two-Test series opener in Kolkata by 30 runs.

Resuming on 26-0, South Africa wobbled to 77-3, losing three wickets for 18 runs in a 13-over spell, before Tristan Stubbs took charge.

Top-scoring with 94, he shared a century partnership with Tony de Zorzi and added a further 82 alongside Wiaan Mulder to power South Africa’s overnight lead of 314 to beyond 500.

He missed out on a third Test century when he was bowled by a slower ball from spinner Ravindra Jadeja (4-62), prompting South Africa’s declaration.

In reply, India lost two wickets inside 10 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind off Marco Jansen and KL Rahul bowled by Simon Harmer.

Kuldeep Yadav, who faced 134 deliveries for his 19 in the first innings, was sent out as nightwatcher and remained not out on four at stumps. Sai Sudharsan has six.

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