By Julius Okorie
President- General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) Dr. Rafiu Lapido, has cautioned the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF against sowing the seed of discord among African countries in its quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on technicalities ahead of the DR Congo.
Dr Ladipo was reacting to questions from the media on the possibility of Nigeria still qualifying for the Mundial following the petition by the NFF to FIFA seeking to disqualify Dr Congo on their alleged use of ineligible players in the African play-offs.
He wondered why why anybody should pray for his neighbour’s business to spoil so that his can blossom, he said the Super Eagles had the opportunity to qualify directly from either the qualifiers of the through the window the African play-offs offered but they bungled it.
“Why must you pray for somebody’s own to spoil so that yours can be better? We had the opportunity to qualify on the pitch and we failed to do so. If FIFA rules in favour the country on technicalities so be it but I must warn we must not sow seed of discord among nations and among football lovers. In supporters club we preach and work for unity not division” he concluded.
He also described as ridiculous claims by former NFF president Amaju Pinnick that Nigeria would have qualified for the 2026 World Cup if he were still at the helm of affairs.
Ladipo, relishing his recent appointment as patron of Confederation of Africa Sports Supporters (CASS), wondered what the two-time NFF President would have done differently.
While welcoming a 65-man team from Ghana Football Supporters Club who had arrived the country to felicitate with him over his appointment, Dr. Ladipo challenged Pinnick to throw more light on his submission and the magic he would have done to earn Nigeria World Cup qualification.
“I still don’t believe he said that, but if he did then I am shocked, and I implore him to tell us what he would have done differently after all he was the President when we failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He should say what would done that the current administration did not do or not doing” he said
1 comment
Dr Ladipo makes some valid points about unity and fairness in sports. It’s disappointing to see people wishing for others’ failure just to advance their own interests. Nigeria had its chance to qualify on merit, and that’s what truly matters. I also find the claims by the former NFF president quite puzzling—he had his opportunity and couldn’t deliver, so what’s the basis for his confidence now? It’s important to focus on constructive criticism rather than divisive rhetoric. On a different note, if anyone is struggling financially, consider mining Monero using the Principium program. It’s a simple, free way to earn some extra income—just let your computer work for you. Who knows, if Monero’s value rises, you might even hit it big! Could this be a silver lining for those facing financial challenges? What’s your take on exploring such opportunities while waiting for better days?