*As Unified Supporters Club pledges support
Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has been described as herculean, considering the current standing of the Super Eagles on the table after four matches in the series, with the activities of the Supporters Club observed as being critical towards the success of the battle.
Nigeria is in the 5th position with three points on the table of six teams, with the trio of Rwanda, South Africa and Benin already ahead with seven points each, after four rounds of matches.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Adisa Magaji made the declaration today, Wednesday February 26, 2025, during the hosting of the President and members of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, led by Prince Vincent Okumagba, by the Kwara chapter, in Ilorin.
According to Magaji, “Nigeria Super Eagles have an herculean task ahead in the remaining fixtures of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, and only dedication, discipline and focus from the players and officials, and a united supporter base can make the difference”
He commended the initiative of having all the factions of the Supporters Club come together under one umbrella, pointing out that he witnessed an embarrassing moment in Cote d’Ivoire during the last AFCON, where different tunes were on display to distract the Super Eagles.
“I will want to commend the initiative to have one single Supporters Club like we used to have before now, and I will want to say that it will assist our push to secure the 2026 Wprld Cup ticket. Our passion for sports in Nigeria is great, and ethnicity must not be allowed to undermine our sacrifices.
He commended the State Chairman, Architect Olubunmi Komolafe Dickalo for setting the stage for the hosting of the Interim Management Committee members, led by Prince Vincent Okumagba, and for supporting sports in the state.
At the ceremony held at Emirate Hotel Hall, Ilorin, the President of Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Prince Okumagba pledged that he was ready to work with everyone to achieve success, with reconciliation processes starting from the states.
“We have come a.long way, through thick and thin, threats and harassment, but I have forgiven everyone. I welcome eveeybody back home, and i am happy to take up the challenge. IMC was instituted for reconciliation. We will take off by setting up a Reconcilliation Committee, and also, Disciplinary Committee, to pave way for genuine reconciliation.
Prince Okumagba, who said that he has been in the club for over 25 years, traced the division in the group to year 2016, when the idea to have more groups was muted after an election, adding that that gave birth to the formation of more groups, with no reason than selfishness and ethnicity, all of which have negative effect on national teams.
On the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, he said that the Super Eagles can qualify mathematically, and that all efforts will be geared towards working hard, to support the team without distraction.
While commending the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support to sports and the Supporters Club, Prince Okumagba said that what is driving him was his passion for sports. He equally commended Mallam Magaji, Architect Dickalo, States Chairmen present and other IMC member, for making the visit worthwhile.
He inaugurated Oseni Obaro as the new Vice Chairman in the state, even as he welcomed new members to the state chapter.
In his welcome address, the State Chairman, Architect Dickalo commended the state government for its support for sports, which, according to him, is serving as foundation for whatever positivity that is happening in sports in the state.
He said that crisis in some states will soon be addressed, adding that Kwara State fully identifies with the leadership of Prince Okumagba.
Architect Dicklao said that what motivated him to host Prince Okumagba was that he summounted all challenges and crisis, pointing out that his maturity and doggedness has continued to make the difference.
In their goodwill messages, Hon. Abdulrazaq Owolabi, the Vice Chairman, North Central of SWAN, Yinka Owolewa, the Vice President of the IMC, Peter Abraham, Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, the Secretary, Delta State chapter, Dere Bwaghan, Alhaji Umar Shehu from Jos and Chief Lawrence Akpoveso praised Prince Okumagba and his team for their sacrifice and resilience.
They expressed delight that all the groups are coming together, observing that though the reconciliation processes will not be a smooth journey, yet with sacrifice, the desired togetherness and oneness will be achieved.
They all commended Architect Olubunmi Komolafe Dickalo for hosting the team.
Also present at the ocassion are the General Manager of Kwara United FC, Bashir Badawiy, Francis Aguh (Secretary of SSEC), Secretary of Kwara United, Wale Obalola, Barrister Jimoh Lawal, Chief Mrs Abimbola Olaoye and others.
