Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, former Chairman of Gombe United Football Club, has asserted that the Super Eagles’ quest for qualification in the FIFA 2026 World Cup is hanging in the balance.
He revealed in an interview that it is intricately connected to the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) owed apologies to the late coaches Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shaibu, along with former goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
Read Also: 1472 FC Breaks Ground with Brazilian Signings in NNL Boost
Gara Gombe passionately emphasized that the unrest within Nigerian football, especially the recent underwhelming performances of the Super Eagles against seemingly smaller teams, stems from the unjust treatment meted out to these football icons.
The former Chairman urged the NFF to make amends by offering apologies to the families of Keshi and Amodu for the dishonourable treatment they received even in death.
“I want to share my opinion following the recent happenings in Nigeria Football, Super Eagles in Particular.
“Let me make it clear, Nigeria Football will never see Peace until we apologise to the families or Souls of former Super Eagles Coaches, Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shaibu.”
According to him, “Nigeria Football is paying the price following the way we handled the Two Patriots even in Death and until we Apologize, Eagles will continue to Fumble and Wobble.”
How You Can Get a Chance To Become a Millionaire
Expressing his sentiments, Gara Gombe highlighted the negligence and lack of recognition given to Amodu Shaibu, a coach who significantly contributed to Nigeria’s World Cup qualifications.
He lamented the unjust accusations of corruption levelled against Amodu during his tenure, citing the need for a collective apology to rectify the dishonour done to the late coach.
“Amodu served this country and died without honour by those managing our football.
He qualified us to the World Cup almost twice but we dropped him and deprived him from enjoying the fruits of his labour. We instead accused him of corruption right from Mali 2002 Nations Cup”,
Turning his attention to Stephen Keshi, Gara Gombe spoke strongly against the mistreatment of the country’s most successful indigenous coach.
He pointed out the disrespect, insults, and dishonour Keshi endured, stressing the urgency of acknowledging these wrongs through a formal apology.
Gara Gombe linked the turbulent period in Nigerian football to the presidency of Ahmed Gusau, criticizing the alleged corruption during Amaju Pinnick’s regime.
The former Chairman’s insights provide a thought-provoking perspective on the intricacies of Nigeria’s football administration, urging corrective actions to restore harmony and success to the Super Eagles’ campaign.