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Since Super Eagles qualified for FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1994, Nigeria fans are no longer use to watching the Mundial as byepassers. It is almost like a title deed that Nigeria must qualify and participate in every World Cup. So, you can imagine how hard it has been on the people of this football crazy country, when Ghana Black Stars knocked out Nigeria Super Eagles based on away goals count.
To watch Super Eagles being used as training material by other countries preparing for the world Cup, is something too hard to swallow.
But the Guardian publication of Tuesday November 2nd, may have stirred up hope in Nigerian fans as well as get them praying that the Tunisian controversy may become their lot. It may just be a cause for World cup dreams or end up as a wishful thinking.
Tunisia have been warned by FIFA that they could be excluded from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar if their government intervenes in footballing matters.
All member federations must be free from any legal and political interference, but recent comments from the country’s Youth and Sports Minister, Kamel Deguiche, regarding the dissolution of the federal bureaux – which can also include the football federation – triggered a warning from FIFA.
The governing body believes Deguiche is attempting to meddle in the running of Tunisia’s Football Federation (FTF) and a letter was sent to the FTF about FIFA’s concerns to which they expect a hasty response.
If FIFA does not receive the clarity they need regarding Deguiche’s comments, Tunisia risk being banned from the 2022 World Cup.
Kenya and Zimbabwe have already received suspensions from FIFA for governmental interference over the past year.There’s plenty of speculation over who could replace Tunisia at the World Cup if they are indeed suspended by FIFA.
Hopeful Italian media outlets believe the Azzurri, who failed to qualify for the tournament after losing to North Macedonia in the play-offs, should take Tunisia’s place as they’re the highest-ranked nation that aren’t competing in Qatar. Roberto Mancini’s side are currently ranked sixth in the world.
However, a more likely scenario is that Tunisia are replaced by a fellow member of the African member association (CAF). If Italy replace Tunisia, that would put three UEFA members into Group D, which is prohibited.
Nigeria are the highest-ranked CAF member that failed to qualify for the World Cup. Mali may also have a shout of replacing Tunisia as they were beaten by the Eagles of Carthage 1-0 over two legs in their World Cup qualifier earlier this year.
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were mum on the issue, with one, who pleaded anonymity, saying that the Federation is watching the development with keen interest.
