ABUJA – Drew Uyi, a FIFA-licensed football agent, says the 2026 FIFA World Cup has exceeded expectations in spite of the officiating controversies and surprising results.
Uyi stated this in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja while assessing the tournament’s quality, standout teams, and the lessons for Nigerian football.
He said the expanded 48-team format had improved the competition rather than weakened it, adding that more nations had become genuinely competitive and challenged the established football powers.
According to him, the tournament has showcased football’s global appeal, with the co-hosts, the U.S., Canada and Mexico, providing an atmosphere befitting the world’s biggest football competition.
Uyi expressed concern over inconsistent officiating, particularly the application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), saying some decisions had continued to generate debate.
He described Brazil’s early exit from the competition as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, saying it demonstrated that reputation alone was not a guarantee of success.
The football agent identified Norway as the competition’s surprise package, attributing the team’s impressive performances to tactical discipline, physical intensity and the influence of world-class players.
He singled out young Spanish star Lamine Yamal as one of the players whose profile and market value had risen further through consistent performances on football’s biggest stage.
“Performing consistently at the World Cup not only confirms a player’s quality but also strengthens his commercial appeal, leadership profile and overall market value,” he said.
On Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament, Uyi urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to focus on long-term planning instead of depending solely on the country’s abundance of football talent.
He stressed the need for sustained investment in grassroots football, coaching education, sports science and a unified football philosophy across all national teams.
Looking ahead, Uyi tipped France to win the tournament, citing the team’s blend of experienced players, talented youngsters, tactical flexibility and squad depth.
He added that Spain had also impressed throughout the competition, but said France’s experience in winning major international tournaments could prove decisive in the closing stages. (NAN)
