Tijani Babangida reveals how Nigerian federation officials blocked his 1994 World Cup inclusion

Former Nigeria winger Tijani Babangida has revealed how intervention from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials prevented him from making the Super Eagles’ official squad for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Babangida disclosed that then-head coach Clemens Westerhof had considered dropping defender Michael Emenalo to create room for him in the squad, but the proposal was rejected because of concerns over positional balance.

The former Ajax winger explained that Westerhof was reluctant to leave out Victor Ikpeba, who, alongside Finidi George, was ahead of him in the pecking order for the right-wing position.

With limited options available, the Dutch tactician reportedly proposed sacrificing Emenalo, who played in defence, to accommodate Babangida. However, federation officials insisted that the winger could not be included at the expense of a defender.

“Clemens Westerhof had no option but I came in at the last minute and Nigerians felt I had to go the World Cup,” Babangida said on the Home Turf Podcast.

“He had to drop Victor Ikpeba and to him it is not fair dropping Ikpeba, but he told them he could drop Emenalo because he is from the defence. They told him no that I am an attacker.

“So that is why I was not registered for the 1994 World Cup but I followed the team to the World Cup.

“I was with them, trained and slept with them. We do everything together except going to the field.”

Emenalo’s inclusion proved crucial after Iroha injury

Nigeria’s decision to retain Emenalo in the squad eventually proved important during the tournament, as the defender provided cover for first-choice left-back Benedict Iroha.

Iroha sustained a groin injury during the Super Eagles’ memorable 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in the group stage, ruling him out for the remainder of the competition.

Emenalo’s presence therefore gave Westerhof an alternative in defence as Nigeria navigated the knockout stages of the tournament.

The Super Eagles went on to reach the round of 16, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Italy after extra time, ending their impressive debut World Cup campaign.

Despite missing out on official registration, Babangida remained part of the team’s travelling party throughout the competition.

He trained and lived alongside his teammates, sharing in their preparations and daily activities, although he was not permitted to participate in matches.

Babangida made his World Cup debut in France

The disappointment of 1994 did not end Babangida’s international ambitions, as he eventually secured a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

The winger played in all four matches as the Super Eagles reached the round of 16 before suffering a 4-1 defeat to Denmark.

Babangida also found the net in that encounter, scoring Nigeria’s only goal in the heavy defeat at the Stade de France.

His appearance in France marked a significant milestone in his international career, four years after he had travelled with the squad to the United States without being officially registered.

Nigeria, meanwhile, had enjoyed a historic campaign in 1994, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia before making an impressive impression on their first appearance at the World Cup.