WITH the current state of Nigeria where people cannot afford three square meals, the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on another jamboree with tax payers money.
The President some few days ago approved N3bn for a task force headed by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo- Olu to rescue the Super Eagles towards qualifying for 2026 World Cup.
Tinubu is said to be keen on reviving the fading chances of Super Eagles qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
Super Eagles are fifth in a six -team group after failing to win any match in the series so far.
To forestall the possibility of missing out of the Mundial for the second consecutive time, President Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Presidential Support Group with their budget captured in the 2025 budget. The Presidential support group is to galvanise resources apart from the N3bn, to provide administrative support and implement strategies to strengthen the Super Eagles campaign.
The money according to reports is geared towards logistical support, training camps, hiring and payment of salary of a foreign Coach for the team. Is hiring of a foreign Coach the problem of the team and whose duty it is to hire a foreign Coach for the National team. The support group is to organise international friendlies to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the high stakes qualifiers.
The team, which would be inaugurated early next year also include Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodima, Bayelsa State Governor, Doune Diri, Kunle Sonane, Babatunde Fashola and former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, who was recently appointed as spokeman to the President.
Perhaps, President Tinubu seems to be toeing the line of late President Musae Yar’adua, who in 2009 inaugurated a similar task force with former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amechi as Chairman and Patrick Ekeji who as then Permanent Secretary, was the scribe.
Yar’adua’s task force succeed in qualifying the Eagles but went ahead to do other things which the Football House in Abuja is using today.
However, the scenario at that time is different from what is happening today with the Super Eagles not winning a single match so far. They have three points as against Rwanda, South Africa and Benin Republic with seven points while Lesotho and Zimbabwe occupying the bottom.
In March, 2025, the Super Eagles will meet Rwanda before a home game against Zimbabwe. They also have a game against South Africa in Johannesburg and Benin Republic in Uyo.
The truth must be told that the N3bn or whatever billions raised this time around may not perform the miracle because football is no longer our birthright in Africa.
The implication of the task force is a vote of no confidence on the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). With their job tactically taken over by the task force, it behoves on the men occupying the glass house to bow their head in shame and resign. In a developed country, these set of people would quit but I doubt whether it will happen in Nigeria. They would be ready to die there not minding the aftermath . They have failed and that is the message from Mr President to Gusau led board if I am to remind them. They have no reason to remain in office longer than a day.
Be that as it may, the composition of the task force comprising Tinubu’s men from the Lagos axis except two from Imo and Bayelsa calls for questioning. Who is Babajde Sanwo Olu when it comes to football. What has he done in Lagos State to warrant this assignment.
Even, the other two governors have not shown anything to justify their appointment other than favouritism which has become the other of the day in the Country.
For Babatunde Fashola, who has nothing to show as a Minister for works for eight years where he left virtually all roads in the country in a deplorable condition, this assignment is a reward for failure.
I for one thought that somebody like former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu will be the one to spear head this type of unnecessary task force if at all there is need for it. Forget whatever sin’s he has committed . Most of the people ocvupying postions at the highest level have sinned in the Country called Nigeria. He has proved it when he led Enyimba to conquer Africa unlike some of these people who have never watch a football match once. We have people with sound knowlege of the round leather game who will help fine tune a strategy will help even itnis too late to cry because the head is off. Those countries will not sut down and allow the Super Eagles to take them for a ride. The new Coach to be employed may not have enough time to blend the team. Ask Manchester United Officials and Vlubs that took fire brigade approach recently. I stand to be challenged, this task force is bound to fail.
