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Finidi George under fire as Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes dim
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There is a real possibility Nigeria will not play at the 2026 World Cup.
The last time the Super Eagles featured in the tournament was in 2018.
The three-time African champions were missing in 2022 when it was held in Qatar. It came down to a two-legged play-off against fierce rivals, Ghana. The first leg in Kumasi ended goalless. In Abuja, the Black Stars held on for a 1-1 draw.
The quest to play at the next one in Mexico, USA and Canada didn’t start well.
Nigeria were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in their Group C opener, before coming from behind to draw again with Zimbabwe in their second match.
Between those matches and Friday’s clash with South Africa in Uyo, Jose Peseiro left his role as head coach and was replaced by Finidi George.
Finidi’s starting XI to face Bafana Bafana was quite interesting. Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho started in attack with Alex Iwobi behind them. In Victor Osimhen’s absence, Victor Boniface was expected to spearhead the attack. But he was left on the bench along with Terem Moffi and Samuel Chukwueze.
Themba Zwane opened the scoring, after tip-toeing his way through Nigeria’s defence. And although Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized with his first international goal, there was no comeback.
“I think it was a decent performance, considering how little time Finidi has had with the team,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster tells DAILY POST.
“He got some things wrong, like Onuachu, who did nothing for us even if we won a few fouls from it.
“In fact, it made us surrender possession more and seemed to shut down our momentum whenever we started to pass through the South Africans.
“Some of the inter-play, with Iwobi at the centre of it, was delightful and could have produced goals if we finished better.
“Ultimately, there were more good signs than bad, and it is a performance we can build on.”
The three successive 1-1 draws mean the Super Eagles sit in fifth position in Group C.
If they want to play in the World Cup again, they have to win all the remaining seven games.
“I think things are really bleak,” McDubus added.
“No wins from 3 games is a terrible way to start. We cannot afford any more slip-ups, we have to win all our remaining games.
“It is never a good thing when there is no longer a margin for error. That said, this team is capable of doing it.
“If we cannot win all our remaining games, then we really do not deserve to be at the World Cup. It’s as simple as that. The players have to step up.
“The big positive is that the other teams in the group will take points off one another. So, we just need to focus on doing our part and everything will work out.”
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; the Permanent Secretary, Finance, Mr. Raymond Omachi; the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma; and the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance have received with deep sadness news of the passing of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaj.
Describing his death as a great loss to the nation, Mr. Oyedele said the late elder statesman devoted his life to public service, distinguishing his career with integrity, discipline, and sound judgement, and leaving a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s economic management and national development.
Beyond his stewardship of the nation’s finances, Mr. Oyedele noted, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji also served Nigeria with distinction as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and was held in high esteem in traditional leadership as the Sardaunan Sokoto, a record of service and leadership that earned him respect across the country.
Mr. Oyedele said his legacy extends well beyond the offices he held, describing him as a thoughtful leader whose experience, wisdom, and commitment to the public good continue to inspire generations of public servants long after he left active service. He added that the late former Minister played an important role in strengthening Nigeria’s public finance architecture and institutions, a legacy that will continue to resonate within the Federal Ministry of Finance and across the public service.
The Honourable Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased; the Governor and Government of Sokoto State; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Sultanate Council; and the people of Sokoto State.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus, and grants his family and all who mourn him the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday called on Nigerians to be more vigilant in the protection of vulnerable persons from human trafficking and traffickers.
Tinubu, in a statement she personally signed as part of the celebration of the “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”, appealed to the global community to strengthen commitment to ending human trafficking in all its forms and protecting the dignity, freedom, and rights of every individual.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” draws attention to the growing threat of human trafficking.
Human trafficking now forms part of modern-day slavery, which is usually perpetrated through online scams, forced criminality, and transnational organised crime.
According to her, the theme also highlights the need to increase public awareness, prevention, enforcement of our laws, and support for survivors.
“Let us remain vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation. Through collective action, we can build a safer society where every person can live in freedom, dignity, and hope.
“We say “No” to human trafficking today”
Also as part of the International Day of Friendship, the First Lady also drew global attention to the power of friendship to unite people, strengthen communities, foster peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
She noted that no matter how far technology advances, man was never created to be alone, adding that ” As we become more connected digitally, human isolation is increasing by the day. We are emotional beings, and we should never underestimate the power of genuine human connection.
“Friendship reminds us to be our brother’s keeper, to show kindness, and to reject unhealthy behaviours that divide us. A simple act of kindness can heal a broken heart and help in making our world a better place”.
She therefore charged Nigerians to ” Go out there, give someone a smile, reach out with compassion, and be a friend”.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan.
Mr Oyelade said that the commission was expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify the factors that led to the security breach.
He said that the panel, which would be inaugurated on Friday, was also tasked with making recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
“The commission will examine the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state,” Mr Oyelade said.
He further explained that the setting up of the panel was in line with the governor’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.
The abduction occurred on May 15, while the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued after 56 days in captivity.
(NAN)
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