Abdul Momoh Master Class: Kwara Sports Stakeholders decry Super Eagles World Cup miss

• bid Momoh farewell to Canada/USA/Mexico

Stakeholders in the Kwara State Sports Industry, particularly those involved in football, have expressed their disappointment regarding the absence of the Super Eagles of Nigeria from the ongoing World Cup tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This sentiment was highlighted during the second edition of the Abdul Momoh Master Class Award Night, held on Monday at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre, Kwara SWAN Secretariat, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

During the event, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Mogaji, expressed his sadness over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup despite the nation’s considerable size and talent pool.

Coach Tunde Kazeem also voiced his concerns, stating that it is deeply troubling that Nigeria has missed out on the competition for the second consecutive time.

The former Director of Sports emphasized the significance of this issue, noting that Nigeria’s absence among the ten African representatives at the world’s most prestigious football tournament is a matter of concern, calling for accountability from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

Former Nigerian International and Olympian, Hameed Adio, remarked that, apart from the Olympic Games, the World Cup represents the greatest human spectacle and expressed regret that the national team will not be part of this historic event.

He highlighted the historic nature of the 2026 edition, noting that it is the first time three countries will serve as hosts, the first time 148 matches will be played, and the first time that ten countries will be represented from the African continent.

Notable personalities including Alhaji Toyin Olokoba, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka and King Solomon Adeleke praised Momoh’s achievements, attributing his success to hard work, resilience and commitment to excellence.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to sports development and promotion.

Among the award recipients were Coach Bolakale Magaji, Alhaji Toyin Olokoba, Alhaja Segilola Alaya, King Solomon Adeleke, SWAN Chairman Ishmail Ayodeji, football stars Ahmed Musa and Taiwo Awoniyi, Dr. Ayinla Agaka, AVM Oluwatoyin Lanre, Chief Thompson Oladimeji, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Engr. Femi Sanni Araba, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, SWAN Chairman Austin Osemwengkhae, Chief Godwin Anaikwe, Barrister Tunji Brown, Alhaji Lanre Issa-Onilu and Mubarak Gata.

The ceremony also served as a farewell gathering for Abdul Momoh as he prepares to embark on a professional engagement in North America, with attendees wishing him success in his future endeavours.