Former Chairman of Gombe United Football Club, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has voiced doubt about the Super Eagles’ potential success in the upcoming 2024 African Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire.
Originally slated for the middle of the previous year, the AFCON tournament was rescheduled to January due to adverse weather conditions.
In an interview with The Guardian in Lagos on Friday, Gara Gombe raised concerns about the team’s inadequate preparation and questioned Jose Peseiro’s coaching abilities. He expressed skepticism, stating, “Sincerely speaking, Nigeria is not prepared for this tournament.”
Gara Gombe doubted the team’s ability to make a meaningful impact due to low morale and the coaching staff’s perceived lack of technical discipline.
Gara Gombe criticized the high level of inconsistency within the team, highlighting that Peseiro’s management has failed to yield positive results.
He remarked, “Contracting Peseiro was a huge mistake because, since he arrived, nothing positive has been achieved in the team.” Concerns were raised about the team’s tactical and technical shortcomings under Peseiro, with Gara Gombe suggesting that any positive outcomes in Cote d’Ivoire would be a “special act of God.”
Turning his attention to the Presidency’s alleged approval of $1.3 million to settle Peseiro’s debt, Gara Gombe condemned the Sports Ministry’s approach.
He stated, “It is criminal for the Sports Ministry to plead with the Presidency to release such a huge amount of money to offset Peseiro’s debt.”
He called on the Presidency to exercise caution and cross-check financial requests from the Sports Ministry to prevent potential misuse of government funds, emphasizing the need for accountability in the handling of public finances.
