Felix Awogu Commends NSC Leadership, Backs Team Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games Ambition
Says 2030 World Cup Qualification Non-Negotiable for Nigeria
By Ohis Asein
Former Head of Outside Broadcast and Studio, DStv West Africa, Chief Felix Awogu, has commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for the support being provided to Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Speaking exclusively to FAKS MEDIA on Tuesday, the renowned sports journalist praised the Commission’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the nation’s athletes to succeed on the international stage.
Awogu, however, noted that while setting medal targets is important, such expectations could place additional pressure on the athletes.
“I believe the support being given to Team Nigeria is commendable. The athletes have been well encouraged, and I am optimistic they will make the country proud. However, medal targets should be handled carefully because they can create unnecessary pressure. With the level of support they are receiving, I believe Nigeria will perform well in Glasgow,” he said.»
The veteran broadcaster also used the opportunity to urge the NSC to make the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2030 FIFA World Cup a national priority.
According to him, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a major disappointment for football-loving Nigerians, stressing that the country’s football authorities must do everything possible to ensure such a setback is not repeated.
“It was painful not to see Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We are one of Africa’s football powerhouses, and the country must do everything possible to secure qualification for the 2030 tournament,” Awogu stated.»
Commenting on recent reforms in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Awogu welcomed the introduction of the ₦1 billion prize for the league champions, saying it should serve as an additional incentive to the existing prize money and help Nigerian clubs prepare adequately for continental competitions.
He, however, advised caution on the proposed ₦2 million minimum salary benchmark for players, noting that many clubs may struggle to sustain such wages under the current financial realities.
“The ₦1 billion prize for the league winners is a commendable initiative. It should be an added incentive to the existing prize money, enabling our clubs to strengthen their squads and prepare properly for continental competitions.»
“As for the ₦2 million salary benchmark, we should allow player salaries to evolve organically. At the moment, many clubs simply cannot afford such wages unless the league is able to attract the right level of sponsorship and commercial investment. Sustainability must remain the key consideration,” he added.»If these final quotes are Awogu’s direct words, consider placing them in quotation marks exactly as he said them. Otherwise, you can attribute them as a paraphrase, as done above.
