Super Eagles failure should serve as catalyst for change- Mouktar Mohammed

The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, (FCT FA), Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has said the recent failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is painful but it should serve as a catalyst for the much needed change in Nigerian football. On Sunday night, after a 1-1 draw […]

The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, (FCT FA), Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, has said the recent failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is painful but it should serve as a catalyst for the much needed change in Nigerian football.
On Sunday night, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Super Eagles lost 3-4 on penalties to Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the Africa World Cup playoff in Rabat, Morocco.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, Mohammed commended the players for their efforts but maintained that the loss wasn’t only painful but a major setback.
“Yesterday’s (Sunday) loss by the Super Eagles hurts deeply, and as Chairman of the FCT Football Association, I share in the national disappointment. A football-loving nation like ours feels this frustration.
“I commend our players for their effort under challenging circumstances. Setbacks are part of football; what defines us is how we respond,” he said.
Mohammed, however, said the latest failure should trigger deliberate plans for sustainable football culture from the grassroots to the national teams.
He maintained that the disappointment, Nigerians should offer only constructive support and not destructive criticisms.
“This result must be a catalyst for change. We must move beyond relying on moments of brilliance and build a sustainable football system from grassroots to the national team with strong technical foundations and a clear long-term strategy.
“I urge all Nigerians to offer constructive support, not destructive criticism. Our team needs our collective strength to regroup.
“The FCT FA will play its part in Nigeria’s football renaissance. Our story is far bigger than one result, and our identity as a football powerhouse remains intact,” said Mohammed.