Director General and Chief Executive Officer of National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, don blast the standard of football wey dem play for the 2026 Federation Cup final between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors.
Shaibu tok say the match wey di Desert Warriors win no near the level wey Nigerians dey expect, as e describe am as “zero quality”game wey no represent the true standard of Nigerian football, na weytin Hitvibz dey yan be dat.
NIS DG Shaibu Say Federation Cup Final No Get Quality or Better Team Play
As Shaibu dey talk with journalists after the final for Asaba, Delta State, e praise the way dem organise the competition and the quality of the pitch, but e make am clear say the football wey both teams play no match the big occasion.
“I must confess say the kind football wey I watch between Ikorodu and El-Kanemi Warriors no get the Nigerian quality of football wey we dey expect. Na zero-quality game, to talk am the way e be,” Shaibu talk.
Former Edo State Deputy Governor talk say even though both teams get talented players, dem fail show consistency, organisation and tactical discipline wey don always make Federation Cup one of Nigeria biggest competitions.
“This kind inconsistency no be wetin Nigerian football need now. We know how competitive FA Cup dey for Nigeria.
The pitch fine, organisation fine, but both teams no get consistency. No quality, no depth, not even two minutes of correct coordinated passes from both teams,” e add.
NIS DG Shaibu Doubt If Any Player Fit Make Super Eagles
Shaibu still question whether any player wey feature for the final show enough quality to deserve Super Eagles invitation, as e insist say home-based players must improve if dem wan compete with foreign-based stars.
“I no even fit point to one player wey really impress me. And when I look the coaches for touchline and see the way dem dey react, the only thing wey come my mind be say dem don accept this unorganised style of play,” e talk.
“I no see any chance say this kind local players fit represent the Nigerian football wey we dream about. Dem need wake up if dem want make dem choose dem before our foreign-based players.”
Shaibu comments dey come as many football stakeholders dey complain say the standard of club football for Nigeria don drop, especially as Nigerian clubs don struggle to make real impact for recent CAF club competitions.
Many observers believe say part of the problem na the challenges wey still dey inside the domestic football structure under the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
To tackle the matter, National Sports Commission don announce fresh reforms wey go help improve professionalism and raise the standard of the local league.
One of the major plans be say clubs must meet tougher licensing requirements wey go follow international standards from next season.
Dem also go make sure say clubs pay players minimum monthly salary of ₦2 million as part of efforts to improve players’ welfare and make Nigerian football better.
You like this gist abi?
Oya, we go like hear from you. Help us drop small comment for the box below!
Last Updated on July 15, 2026 11:05 am by Hitvibz Media
"Zero Quality" – NIS DG Shaibu Don Scatter Ikorodu City, El-Kanemi Warriors Over Federation Cup Final
Stay connected