Olopade: Tinubu Backed Us Fully — Time to Rebuild for AFCON 2025

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu provided full support throughout Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, stressing that the nation must now channel its energy toward a stronger outing at AFCON 2025.

Speaking at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Olopade revealed that he and NFF Vice President Shehu Dikko met the Super Eagles in a difficult position.

“When we came in, Nigeria was second from bottom with just three points from four matches,” he said. “Our first mission was to rebuild a functional partnership between the NFF and the Sports Commission. Thankfully, we already had a strong working relationship—we operated as one family.”

He urged Nigerians to avoid blame games, insisting that every necessary provision was made for the national team to succeed. “The President gave us everything. The NFF received all the support required to empower the team. We failed as a nation, and I apologize. Everything possible was done, but qualification didn’t happen.”

Olopade emphasized that the focus must now shift immediately to the next major task. “AFCON 2025 is around the corner, and we cannot fail Nigerians again. Strong collaboration, early player arrival, and top-notch preparation are essential. We must restore the feel-good factor to Nigerian homes during the tournament in Morocco.”

He concluded with a message of resolve: “This is not the time to lament—it’s time to rebuild.”