What is he doing there? NFF President faces backlash after attending World Cup draw despite Nigeria’s absence

Hassan Abdulsalam 08:32 - 07 December 2025

NFF president Ibrahim Gusau faces criticism for attending the 2026 World Cup draw despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to spark outrage among football supporters, especially after Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau attended the official draw in Washington, D.C.

The Super Eagles were eliminated last month after a heartbreaking 4–3 penalty defeat to DR Congo, confirming a second consecutive absence from the tournament since their first participation in 1994.

🚨The NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday. pic.twitter.com/8UMGbuqgpq
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) December 6, 2025

Despite the setback, Gusau was present at the draw inside the prestigious John F. Kennedy Centre, an appearance many Nigerians believe was poorly timed and insensitive.

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On social media, supporters expressed frustration, accusing the NFF of misplaced priorities while the national team struggles with coaching instability, unpaid bonuses, and declining performances.

What is he doing there? Doesn't he have any modicum of shame in him?
— Olaudah Equiano® (@RealOlaudah) December 6, 2025

What exactly is his business at the world cup draw, no shame @ all
— Jay 17 🔥🔥 (@jamolineo17) December 6, 2025

They are not bothered about what is happening to our football. Whether Nigeria qualifies for the world cup or not, they will find a way to still go to the world cup as official
— Doctor Awesome 🌐 (@lekkyfun) December 6, 2025

What's he doing there when Nigeria didn't qualify? Waste of taxpayers money
— Chibueze (@Chi_Bu_Eze_) December 6, 2025

These guys aren’t bothered we didn’t qualify at all
— Blackdiamond (@ybolaji87) December 6, 2025

He went there to do what?
— God's own (@ochiidoma1) December 6, 2025

We could not qualify for the World Cup but the NFF president some qualified to go to the World Cup draws with tax payers money…nigeria is upside down
— Zamba (@lee_zamba) December 6, 2025