Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are in jeopardy, according to sports management executive Femi Bamisaye, who has described the Super Eagles’ campaign as “deeply frustrating” in light of their recent struggles.
Bamisaye, Chief Executive Officer of FMSports9, voiced his concerns in an interview monitored by The Guardian, warning that despite the national team’s wealth of individual talent, the path to qualification has become increasingly uncertain.
With just seven points from six matches, Nigeria now faces an uphill battle in a qualifying group that once appeared favourable.
Group opponents include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Benin Republic and Lesotho — teams widely considered to be within reach for a country of Nigeria’s footballing pedigree.
“It’s unfortunate that despite the plethora of stars at our disposal, we’ve only managed seven points out of six games,” said Bamisaye. “That’s unacceptable for a football powerhouse like Nigeria.”
The sports executive attributed part of the team’s underperformance to deeper structural issues within Nigerian football, pointing specifically to the long-standing underdevelopment of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“The NPFL should be the bedrock of the national team,” Bamisaye insisted. “We can’t continue to rely solely on players based abroad. A stronger domestic league will give us depth and consistency.”
He argued that a well-run and competitive NPFL would not only help raise overall standards but also provide a consistent pipeline of local talent capable of reinforcing the Super Eagles, particularly during crucial qualifying campaigns.
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position, Bamisaye has not completely given up hope.
He noted reports suggesting South Africa could face a potential three-point deduction over an alleged administrative error — a development that could dramatically alter the group standings.
“If South Africa is deducted three points, it changes the entire complexion of the group,” he said. “That could be the lifeline we need.”
FMSports9, Bamisaye’s Lagos-based agency, has carved a niche for itself in Africa’s evolving sports management sector. The firm focuses on talent development, player representation, and grassroots football promotion — with a growing presence both locally and internationally.
As Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions hang in the balance, Bamisaye’s comments reflect the mounting calls for urgent reform within the country’s football ecosystem — before yet another promising generation is left watching from the sidelines when the world gathers in 2026.
