Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has promised that Nigeria will qualify for every FIFA World Cup throughout his eight-year tenure if elected president in 2027.

Sowore made the pledge on Saturday in Enugu while participating in the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, where he called for greater investment in sports and the development of young athletes.

The AAC candidate expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the situation as unacceptable given the country’s abundance of football talent.>

“We are supposed to be at the World Cup. If I’m president of Nigeria, we are not missing any World Cup for my eight years,” Sowore said.

He said his administration would recruit competent professionals and create an enabling environment for sports to thrive, with particular attention to football and other sporting disciplines.

Sowore also described sports as part of the “orange economy”, arguing that a properly developed sports industry could generate significant revenue, create jobs, engage young people and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil.

He cited countries such as Brazil and Kenya as examples of nations that have benefited from sustained investment in sports.

Sowore, who participated in the 10-kilometre race for the second time, further criticised the management of sports in Nigeria, saying poor administration and inadequate support have prevented the country from fully harnessing its sporting potential.