Currently, Nigeria is sitting in fifth place with only three points from four matches in their qualifying journey, trailing leaders Rwanda by four points, with six games still to go.
Dikko shared this during a visit from NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, who came to update him on the preparations for the important World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March.
The NSC posted on their official X account, “NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau was at the NSC Secretariat today to brief the National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifiers billed for March. Discussions highlighted the need to ensure that the Super Eagles secure the group’s solitary ticket.”
With new coach Eric Chelle at the helm, the Eagles are gearing up for must-win matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March as they aim for that coveted spot in the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Chelle, who took over a few weeks ago, has made it clear that his top priority is to qualify for the World Cup before turning his attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.
“We need to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first, and after that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we need to win two games in March,” Chelle told Pooja Media recently.
“As I’ve said before, my focus is on my players and March. We need to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first, and after that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we need to win two games in March.
“This is a draw, there are four teams and anyone in the AFCON can win the tournament but now I need to watch and work with my players on the two games in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.”
The Franco-Malian coach aims to revive Nigeria's chances of qualification by securing wins against the Amavubi in Kigali and Zimbabwe, prior to the team's regrouping in September and October for the concluding four matches of the series.
Under Dikko's guidance, the NSC has experienced a substantial rise in the budget for the sports sector, increasing from N29 billion in 2024 to over N94 billion in 2025, which marks a 227 percent growth, as they strive to rejuvenate Nigerian sports.