Dalung defends tenure, cites Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification record

By Kunle Sanni –

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has defended his performance in office, arguing that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup since his exit underscores the impact of his tenure.

Dalung made the remarks during an interview with Trust TV, aired on Wednesday, while responding to questions about his stewardship of the ministry between 2015 and 2019.

According to him, the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was largely achieved under his leadership, without the extensive structures and funding previously associated with World Cup campaigns.

He stated that prior to his tenure, World Cup qualification efforts often relied on presidential task forces with budgets running into billions of naira.

Dalung claimed that under his watch, Nigeria secured qualification for the 2018 tournament with a match to spare—a feat he said has not been repeated since he left office.

Reacting to criticisms of his time as minister, Dalung challenged his critics to explain Nigeria’s continued absence from the World Cup since 2019, insisting that his record speaks for itself.

He also described himself as the most successful minister of Youth and Sports Development, pointing to several infrastructure projects that were revived or completed during his tenure.

Dalung said the national swimming pool at the Lagos National Stadium, which had been abandoned for about two decades, was renovated and returned to use under his administration. He added that the paralympic gymnasium and the indoor basketball court at the same complex were also rehabilitated.