*Bid Momoh farewell to 2026 World Cup
Stakeholders in the Kwara State Sports Industry, particularly those involved in football, have expressed their disappointment regarding the absence of the Super Eagles of Nigeria from the ongoing World Cup tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This sentiment was highlighted during the second edition of the Abdul Momoh Masterclass Award Night, held today, Monday June 15, 2026, at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre, Kwara SWAN Secretariat, George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
During the event, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Mogaji, expressed sadness over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup despite the nation’s considerable size and talent pool.
Coach Tunde Kazeem also voiced his concerns, stating that it is deeply troubling that Nigeria has missed out on the competition for the second consecutive time.
The former Director of Sports emphasized the significance of this issue, noting that Nigeria’s absence among the ten African representatives at the world’s most prestigious football tournament is a matter of concern, calling for accountability from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Former Nigerian International and Olympian, Hameed Adio, remarked that, apart from the Olympic Games, the World Cup represents the greatest human spectacle and expressed regret that the national team will not be part of this historic event.
He highlighted the historic nature of the 2026 edition, noting that it is the first time three countries will serve as hosts, the first time 148 matches will be played, and the first time that ten countries will be represented from the African continent.
Other stakeholders, such as Alhaji Toyin Olokoba, Alloy Chukwuemeka, and King Solomon Adeleke, commended Abdul Momoh for his remarkable achievements, attributing his success to hard work and resilience.
The program also included the presentation of awards to various stakeholders for their exceptional contributions to the sport.
The awardees are; the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Mogaji, Alhaji Toyin Olokoba, Alhaja Segilola Alaya, King Solomon Adeleke, SWAN Chairman, Ishmail Ayodeji, Taiwo Awoniyi and Ahmed Musa.
Others are; Dr. Ayinla Agaka, AVM Oluwatoyin Lanre, Sir Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Engr. Femi Sanni Araba, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, Austin Osemwemkhae, Chief Godwin Anaekwe, Ahmed Musa, Barrister Tunji Brown. Alhaji Lanre Issa Onilu of the NOA, Mubarak Gata and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Having been accredited and cleared by FIFA to cover the World Cup, Abdul Momoh will be among the photo journalists bringing actions in and around the Mundial to the doorstep of Nigerians, and Africans.
