In the wake of Nigeria’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, has called on stakeholders across the country to rally behind the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and his Board to chart a new path for the nation’s football revival.
Thuraya made the call today Wednesday, November 19, 2025, while addressing sports journalists in Ilorin, stressing that the current turbulence in Nigerian football requires unity of purpose, sincerity, and unwavering support for the leadership entrusted with repositioning the game.
He noted that while the disappointment of missing back-to-back World Cups is enormous, dwelling on blame would only deepen the crisis rather than help the sport regain its footing.
“This is a difficult moment for our football, but this is also a time for maturity,” he said.
“We cannot move forward if every setback leads to division. What we need now is unalloyed support for President Gusau and his Board. They have the mandate to rebuild Nigerian football, and we must give them room to succeed.”
The Kwara FA Chairman described Gusau as a leader with a clear passion for grassroots development, administrative reforms, and discipline, qualities he believes are essential for steering Nigerian football out of its present crossroads.
Thuraya also expressed confidence in Gusau’s capacity to implement long-term structural changes, insisting that continuity remains crucial for sustainable growth.
“Gusau has shown commitment, humility, and readiness to work,” Thuraya added.
“The journey of reforming Nigerian football is not a hundred-metre dash; it is a marathon. This is why I personally support his administration and will support his re-election when the time comes. Stability is key, and Gusau provides that.”
He urged state FAs, Club Owners, coaches, ex-internationals, and fans to collapse personal interests and allow collective interest to prevail, saying that Nigeria cannot afford endless cycles of distractions that weaken the nation’s football culture.
Thuraya reaffirmed Kwara State FA’s readiness to continue collaborating with the NFF on programmes that promote youth development, coaching education, referee advancement, and better governance structures.
“Our duty as football leaders is to contribute solutions, not problems,” he said.
“We must stand with the NFF, support its reforms, and ensure the failures of today become the foundation of tomorrow’s success.”
As Nigeria reflects on the consequences of missing another World Cup, Thuraya insisted that the only way to avoid a repeat is for stakeholders to unite behind a shared vision, one he believes Gusau and his Board are capable of driving if given the full support they deserve.
