President Bola Tinubu on Friday tasked members of the Nigeria Football FederationNigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be serious about the business of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup.

Tinubu gave the advice at the 80th annual general assembly of the NFF held at Government House, Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The President, who spoke through the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the country remains committed to the development of sports, particularly football.

He observed that the NFF is the biggest platform where matters concerning football are discussed, as well as appraisals on previous performance and ways forward.

He appreciated the enormous task of developing football in the country and urged members of the NFF to be deliberate in their pursuit of success, bearing in mind that a conducive atmosphere has been provided for the NFF.

The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, asked football administrators in Nigeria to put the interest of the country first before any other consideration when making decisions concerning the game of football.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, thanked the NFF for choosing Delta as the venue for the meeting, noting that the state is peaceful and Deltans are receptive to visitors.

He said: “We know the role the round leather game plays in Nigeria; Nigeria is a football-loving country, so you are aware of the enormous burden on you all as the decision-makers for millions of Nigerians who love the game of football.

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“Yes! Football is beyond an everyday sporting event; it has become a strong unifying game for Nigeria and Nigerians. Football has no age, religious, political, ethnic, social, or geographical barrier in our country. This is why I call on you today to put the interest of the country first in making decisions concerning the game of football. Look beyond the ball, and see the joy or sadness that will be on the faces of Nigerians because of your decisions or indecision concerning the game of football.

“I feel very happy to be in your midst today to address this august body, an assemblage of football administrators and stakeholders from different parts of our country who are here for the Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The representative of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, urged members of the NFF to be united and love one another for the overall development of football in the country.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would qualify for both the World Cup and the Nations Cup.