Solomon Dalung: Ex-minister Reacts as Nigeria Set to Miss Out on Another FIFA World Cup
- The Super Eagles are on the verge of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ex-Minister Solomon Dalung is asking questions
- Dalung decried the national team's performance in the qualification series after the 1-1 draw against South Africa
- The last time Nigeria featured at the World Cup was in 2018, and Dalung was the Minister of Youth and Sports at the time
The former Minister for Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has reacted as the Super Eagles are on the verge of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
An unimpressed Dalung took to social media to decry the national team's performances in recent times, especially since he left office.
In November 2015, the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari, appointed Dalung to take charge of the Sports Ministry, a position he held until May 2019.
Source: Getty Images
During his time, Nigeria qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with Franco-German tactician Gernot Rohr in charge of the squad.
The team went on to the tournament but were eliminated in the group stage, having managed just one point in three matches.
Nigeria miss out on 2022 World Cup
Nigeria then failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar, having lost the ticket to arch-rivals Ghana in the final phase of qualification, The Cable reports.
The first leg ended 0-0 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, but the reverse fixture finished 1-1 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, with the Black Stars claiming the ticket via the away goals rule.
Despite finishing second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles have had a disastrous campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa shatter Nigeria's 2026 World Cup dreams
Having managed just two wins from eight matches, it will only take a miracle for Nigeria to progress, with two matches left in the series.
The Super Eagles were condemned to defeat South Africa in Bloemfontein in order to stand a chance for the ticket, but it ended 1-1, leaving their World Cup dreams shattered.
After the game, Dalung took time to reflect on his tenure as Sports Minister, asking tough questions. He wrote on Facebook:
"So I ask, with the 1-1 draw of Nigeria against South Africa, what next? Shey we are out again, abi?
"When was the last time Nigeria played at the World Cup? Because since I left office, I can't remember any.
"And this is not about any of my achievements, because the naysayers claim I didn't even achieve anything.
"So I ask again, when was the last time Nigeria got to the World Cup?"
Source: Getty Images
NFF blames Cyriel Dessers
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) communications department has carpeted Panathinaikos striker Cyril Dessers after the 1-1 draw against South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement to the media shortly after the game, the federation said the former Rangers FC player failed to live up to expectations after a disappointing performance against Rwanda, following his replacement of the injured Victor Osimhen.
Source: Legit.ng
