I’m pained Nigeria will not be part of 2026 World Cup – FCT FA  Chairman

 By Andrew Abah, Abuja

The Chairman of Federal Territory Capital Football Association Adam Mouktar Mohammed  has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s non-qualification for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly holding in Mexico, Canada and United States of America respectively.

Mouktar said Nigerian football stakeholders would have been richer economically and other new opportunities discovered while being part of the mundial. 

Muhammed made the call while speaking with journalists in his office in Abuja on Thursday, where he reviewed the progress of football administration in the FCT and the future of club football in Nigeria.

“Frankly, I am pained for us not going to the World Cup and it there means that our football needs serious improvement in terms of administration. The present NFF Board has done well but new thinking and energy need to come in by giving other people chance to contribute towards football development. Personally I am not desperate to be at the board but if opportunity comes I will serve”.

The chairman also called for greater private sector investment in Nigerian football, saying privately-owned clubs remain the most sustainable path towards strengthening the domestic league.

According to him, the association has successfully maintained organised competitions, improved participation among clubs and has continued to attract major football events to Abuja.

“As usual, we always promise the statutory responsibilities that we are obliged to undertake and then any additional innovation or possibilities that permit us. Importantly, what we promised as a board is continuity, stability and sustainability,” he said.

Mouktar noted that the FCT FA has made significant progress in the Federation Cup, formerly known as the Challenge Cup, with several top clubs featuring in matches hosted in Abuja.

He disclosed that clubs such as Enyimba F.C., Rangers International F.C. and Kano Pillars F.C. had all played in the FCT under the current administration.