NFF President Gusau Promises Joy from Nigerian Teams in 2025

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has assured Nigerians that 2025 will be a year of pride and achievement for the nation’s football teams. Reflecting on 2024 and sharing plans for the upcoming year, Gusau highlighted a renewed focus on preparation and competitive performances in major tournaments, including the African Nations Championship CHAN, Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, and Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Plans for rebuilding the Super Eagles squad were also detailed. Gusau expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a FIFA World Cup ticket by winning their remaining qualifiers and building momentum for a strong performance at AFCON in Morocco.

The Super Falcons, Africa’s top ranked women’s team, are also a focus. Gusau promised additional friendly matches to create a well-blended squad capable of reclaiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

Youth teams, including the Flamingos and Falconets, will receive continued support, with Gusau aiming for historic achievements such as winning the U17 Women’s World Cup for the first time. Emphasis was also placed on grassroots football development to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the national teams.

In closing, Gusau reaffirmed the NFF’s commitment to collaboration with the National Sports Commission and corporate sponsors to bolster football programmes. “We are determined to make Nigerians proud in what promises to be a busy and exciting year ahead,” he concluded.

Editorial

Alhaji Gusau’s vision for Nigerian football is both ambitious and inspiring. His emphasis on preparation and youth development reflects a long term approach to building not just teams but a sustainable football culture. For too long, Nigerian football has relied on raw talent without the systematic support necessary to compete consistently on the global stage.

Gusau stressed that Nigeria is moving beyond mere participation in international competitions to becoming a serious contender. “Early preparation was key to the Super Eagles B team’s success in qualifying for CHAN with an impressive win over Ghana’s Black Galaxies. With just a month to go, the team will return to camp immediately to ensure readiness for the tournament,” he said.

We commend the NFF’s plans to focus on grassroots development. The future of Nigerian football lies in identifying and nurturing young talent, ensuring a seamless transition from local leagues to national teams. This approach, paired with better preparation for international tournaments, could position Nigeria as a dominant force in African and global football.

The renewed emphasis on women’s football is particularly noteworthy. The Super Falcons have long been a source of pride, and with the right blend of experience and emerging talent, they have the potential to reclaim their status as continental champions.

However, these plans require execution. Collaboration with corporate sponsors and the National Sports Commission is vital, but so is transparency and accountability within the NFF. The success of Gusau’s vision will ultimately depend on turning these promises into tangible results.

As we look to 2025, the optimism is palpable. If the NFF delivers on its commitments, Nigerians can indeed expect a year of footballing joy and achievement.

Did You Know?

1. The Flamingos, Nigeria’s U17 women’s team, reached the semi finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
2. The Super Falcons have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 11 times.
3. Nigeria’s Super Eagles are three time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, with their last triumph in 2013.
4. The African Nations Championship CHAN is unique to players competing in their domestic leagues, showcasing local talent.
5. The NFF’s grassroots development initiatives have produced global stars like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.