Shaibu Faults Quality of Federation Cup Final, Demands Higher Standards in Nigerian Football
Oru LeonardÂ
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed disappointment over the standard of football displayed in the 2026 President/Federation Cup final, describing the encounter between Ikorodu FC and El-Kanemi Warriors as falling below the expectations of Nigerian football.
Speaking to sports journalists shortly after the final in Asaba, Delta State, Shaibu said the match lacked the quality, competitiveness and tactical discipline that have historically defined Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition.
According to him, while the organisation of the final and the quality of the playing surface were commendable, the performance of both teams failed to reflect the country’s rich football heritage.
“I must confess that the quality of football I watched today between Ikorodu FC and El-Kanemi Warriors lacked the Nigerian quality of football we demand. It was a zero-quality game, to say the least,” Shaibu said.
The former Edo State Deputy Governor noted that both sides struggled with consistency, organisation and meaningful teamwork throughout the encounter.
“The inconsistencies are not what Nigerian football wants now. We know how competitive the FA Cup is in Nigeria. The pitch is beautiful, organisation beautiful, but both teams lacked consistency. No quality, no depth, not even two minutes of coordinated passes from both teams,” he added.
Shaibu also questioned whether the performances on display reflected the level required for players seeking national team opportunities, saying he found it difficult to identify outstanding performers capable of competing at the highest level.
“I could barely point out a good player amongst them. And when I looked at those on the touchline managing the teams and saw their reactions, all I concluded was that they were comfortable with the unorganised style of play,” he stated.
He urged players, coaches and other stakeholders to raise the standard of the domestic game, stressing that local talents must improve significantly if they are to compete favourably with foreign-based players for places in the national teams.
“I don’t see any opportunity from this type of local player representing the Nigeria football system of our dream. They need to wake up if they must be picked ahead of our foreign players,” Shaibu said.
The NIS boss called for renewed commitment to player development, coaching standards and tactical improvement to restore the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian domestic football.
