President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was left deeply disappointed by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their playoff loss to DR Congo in Morocco, a top Presidential Aide has disclosed.
Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Development to the President, revealed the President’s reaction in Ilorin during a reception for awardees from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 60th Anniversary celebration held in Abuja.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led the honourees at the event, which also recognised Hon. Idris Abdullahi Musa, Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association; Kumbi Titiloye, Chairman of Kwara United; veteran sports broadcaster Hon. Hameed Adio; High Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Director of Football at ABS FC; veteran sportscaster, Bayour Issah and ace photographer Kayode Okunola.
Adeboye, popularly known as Authority said President Tinubu closely monitored the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign and felt the pulse of the nation during tensed fixtures.
“Unknown to many, Mr President followed the Super Eagles throughout the qualifiers. He was anxious during our game against South Africa,” Adeoye stated.
He added that Tinubu was relieved after Nigeria’s victory over Gabon but was “immensely saddened” by the decisive loss to Congo, admitting Nigeria still has significant work to do in sports administration.
Despite the disappointment, Adeboye said the President remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s sporting future, particularly through grassroots development.
Speaking at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre/SWAN Secretariat in Ilorin, he noted that the Federal Government is reviving the “Hunt a Talent, Adopt a Talent” initiative to discover and nurture young athletes from primary to tertiary institutions.
“By adopting a talent, government is getting it right. We believe strongly in grassroots development. It’s time to start from the primary and secondary school levels and move up, selecting the best talents to represent each state and the nation,” he said.
