2026 FIFA World Cup Is Nigeria’s Birthright – Ex-Super Eagles Media Officer, Babafemi Raji

Babafemi Raji (MON) is one of the few sports journalists in Nigeria who has gone full circle in the profession and hit the peak when he served as the media officer of the Super Eagles. In this interview, he shared with Naija News his journey from NTA to Brilla FM, his adventure with the Super Eagles, and how he believes the team can qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after three draws and one defeat so far in the qualification series.

How did you find yourself in the media space?

“Okay, that was while I was in school in Ife. They opened a new station, NTA Ife, and I was just sitting down watching because I like watching the news. I was watching sports and I was like our sports can be livelier than this so I went there for an audition.

“I met the producer then, Mr. Bola Oladele who auditioned me. I did it, and he was like okay, it’s fine. Then, I met with the general manager, Mr. Patrick, who gave me the go-ahead. And within two weeks, I already had one show on Wednesday. Then later, they said I should create another show for Monday, which I did.

“Afterwards, I started another show on Saturday. I would do my show from 4 to 5 or 6 before we hooked up to the network service, and that was how we started, and that was 2002.”

Do you have any educational background in media, or was it just the passion that drove you to it?

“Well, studying English Language Art is more or less like being into media and then the passion has always been there. I majored in that; that was my first degree, and my second degree was in management. That was the major thing, and also, in the course of it, I went for training by the Voice of America, I think that was in 2014 or 2016. I can’t remember right now, and basically, that’s it.”

As you have mentioned, you started your journey at NTA, but most of us got to know you at Brila FM; how was the journey like at Brila?

“Interesting journey. Brila is a great school. I learnt under Dr. Larry Izamoje, a great leader, a good guy and he’s a great teacher. I learnt the ropes, what reporting should be and how to go about it. I was able to do virtually all aside from going on air. I also carved a niche for myself on the field, which is why, within a year as a reporter, I was promoted to assistant manager for sports services and, a year later, manager for sports services. after 3 years, I became the group manager for programmes coordinating all program activities for Brila. I left on June 27 [2024].”

Your story sounds so smooth, and I’m very sure it was not this smooth all through, so what were the challenges as a media practitioner in Nigeria?

“Of course, it has not been that smooth. One of the key things that I will never forget as a young reporter was those days trying to get content. The late Joel Eriko, I remember the first time I met him as a young reporter that was 2008. The guy will be like ‘go back, don’t talk to me yet; your leg never touched the ground’.

“I went back to him again after 2 to 3 days, and he said, ‘Don’t worry, you never grow to be a cock, you still be chicken come back’.

“I went there and met him at the same spot, that was around Stadium, they called the place Kaza then… I bought a couple of drinks for him and his friends there, and we were just talking, and he said, ‘This boy, he no Dey gree’. Then he gave me a very wonderful interview. It was almost about 30 minutes. He was now telling my boss and then the head of reporters that ‘this guy don grow; he is a cock’, and it was just the beginning.

“You know, at times, the way the industry is, Dr Larry will always tell us to be blind at the brown envelopes and go for the story first, and that was the major thing that distinguished me… Another key thing was we noticed that the packaging was not right by all sports journalists then, so we had to package well, dress up, and look neat… I’d already made some savings within 2 years of working and said no, I shouldn’t be jumping buses and sweating at the time of arrival…

“It was not an easy journey but whether we like it or not, we will always say thank God because He’s worthy. I remember in 2010; I was appointed as a member of the media committee by the sponsors of the World Cup… I was the youngest member of that media committee. It was an interesting one. It was interesting but very tough.

“Our job entails hard work cause the story you read today will be different from tomorrow. It’s about headlines, headlines, headlines. You have to also be involved with technology. You know, those days when you had to be at the venue to get the story direct, but with time, when phones became good, you could record or put a call through to the person you want to interview and record.

“Back in the day, I would tell my colleagues to let us learn to edit audio content and software. It has been a journey where you learn and unlearn. In our profession, there can never be stereotypes. If you stay in one spot, the industry will leave you behind, so we have to move and evolve with time gradually. I had others come through, and I had an impact on others, and the best way to learn is to teach, to impact the knowledge you have on others…

“I think I was able to do this to a measurable extent, and I also built on myself because, you know, as you grow in the industry, you will pick up leadership roles, you will learn how to be a better leader, you’ll learn from mistakes and also let people make their mistakes. I think that was the key thing for me as a leader. I grew to help people learn from their mistakes. Sports journalism won’t guarantee you wealth, but your network will be your net worth. That’s the thing I’ve learnt about the industry.”

Thank you very much, sir. So, sir, at what point did you decide that, okay, fine, your time with Brila FM is over, and you need to move on to other things? And how difficult was that decision?

“Not quite a difficult decision, but I knew nothing good stays forever. I remember having been appointed the media officer of the Super Eagles. Of course, we all understand I was holding a key position. Most times when I’m away with the Super Eagles, I understand I have to also keep an eye on the job, on the primary assignment… Initially, it was smooth, and remember, at that time, we were just getting into COVID-19 and getting out of COVID as well. At some point, sport went down but we tried to make sure that things still went on in sport. Sports radio was still running even though sports was shut down.

“Gradually, we went for the AFCON in Cameron in 2022. We crashed out in the first round, and we didn’t qualify for the World Cup, but again, we worked hard to do well at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. In fact, at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, I already felt that perhaps I might take a decision anytime soon that was February or March… At least in my head, I was thinking I would be there for the next FIFA World Cup and could do four more years, but you know, Man proposes, and God disposes.

“God woke me up one day and said my son, you can move now, and of course, anything I do, I consult my God first. The moment I left Super Eagles, I felt it was time to leave Brila as well. I’ve made my mark already and times are changing already. I believe the industry is big, but I have other things.

“I consult for a PR firm that is based in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. I said, okay, I can also do that and at the same time do other things still within the industry. And maybe the country even needs me at a bigger level and one thing we do not understand is that a Nigeria project is a project for all of us. So long as we keep talking about the bad things that are happening in the country, I will tell you one thing: there are worse things that are happening in the Western world, but it’s a matter of perception, and who creates this perception? It is the media and how is it done? It is by ensuring that proper positive public relations is being done out there…

“I remember the Let’s Do It Again campaign; the whole nation was feisty about it; we were able to turn around the image of the Super Eagles from what it was. We saw what we were before the AFCON. We came up with Let’s Do It Again with the support of virtually everyone with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, we were able to champion it and then move up from there. We were able to do a lot of things to ensure we’ve created a very great image of Nigeria and the Super Eagles, and did it work for us? Let me leave you to answer that… Yes, it worked for us, and even CAF enjoyed it. That was the best AFCON.

“The AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire was even more interesting than the Euros that just ended. At the AFCON, they talked about a lot of players. They didn’t only talk about Lamine Yamal like they’ve done in the Euros, so it was interesting talking about the Super Eagles, talking about Nigerians…

“I’m sure the Federal Government saw it and that was why they gave us the national honor. If there’s any big thing that I’ve achieved in the course of my job, my profession as a sports journalist, is being a member of the Order of the Niger and it feels like yes there was an impact in that. And that is why in this new phase, I still want to do that more. I’m very open to ensuring that I positively project the image of the country, the image of Nigeria. I’ll work with relevant agencies that will develop projects that will project the image of Nigeria positively…

“So, I already knew this year I was going to be done with Brila and move up to a higher level where it’s not just within one industry; it has to be Nigeria and its project. Right now, I’m looking more at a bigger picture where it’s more of the image of Nigeria because if the image and perception of Nigeria are good, every other industry will be projected in a positive light, either sports, maritime, aviation and every other thing.”

Tell us about your appointment as the media officer of the Super Eagles, and what the experience was like:

“…I want to thank the FIFA council member and former president of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, for believing in me that I will handle it. I want to say thank you to him and thank God that I did not disappoint him. I know how I met the Super Eagles in terms of its public image and how I left the Super Eagles in terms of its public image. I know that my good friend, who is there now, Promise, will take it up from there.

“When the appointment came, I was like okay, work does start; we get work to do. I knew I had a lot to do; I knew I had to use technology and improvise and also improve on what I met on the ground, so that was why I focused more on the image of the people. I focused more on reaching out to people, I tried to connect the team with the people. I noticed that there was a gap and we have to breach that gap by bringing the team closer to the people. Was I able to do that? Yes. I created an avenue for members of the media to meet the team. The longer plan was to create amenities and to do a lot of community service by the team, but I guess the project is still on, and that’s why we will still see more about the Super Eagles. I think God just wanted me to be there; it was about an opportunity meeting preparation. Was I prepared for it? Yes. Did the opportunity come? Yes. Did I take the opportunity? I’m sure I did. I took the opportunity one hundred per cent, and I nailed it. I made the most use of it. I also created an avenue for revenue for the team as well…

“I don’t think we’ve ever experienced a coach being appointed and then the coach having a media tour. Things like that can be done regularly. We have seen a lot of Instagram Live with our players creating things and more channels for people to access content. The next phase is to make sure we monetize those contents and also the revenue coming back to the team so that we can create our revenue as a team.

“It got to a stage where we thought we, as media officers, didn’t even need to depend on NFF for funds anymore; we didn’t need them to give us bonuses with the team. We want a channel whereby the media team of the Super Eagles will be paying itself because whether we like it or not, the Super Eagles will have a big bag if properly managed and monetized, and there’ll be a huge revenue coming from that angle…

“I believe I did well. I think I can score myself eighty-two, eighty-three per cent.

Okay, sir. What was your biggest memory as the media officer of the Super Eagles?

“Oh, two memories will never leave me. Number one was the World Cup qualification play-off against Ghana. I remember the first leg. We should have won the first leg, we were the better side and then we felt that would have killed it. I wanted to be at the World Cup. I remember my team manager Dayo would always tell me, ‘You dey work hard gan oo, you must go World Cup cause a World Cup be the main thing’. You know, he kept on saying it; he already put this World Cup thing in my head, and I was dreaming of being in the World Cup and being in Qatar, and when it happened in Abuja that week that we were not qualified, I remembered that day I cried. I kept having nightmares for weeks. Anytime I close my eyes to sleep, I’ll see myself being in the stadium.

“Of course, the second high point was going to the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire… Remember, before we went to Cote d’Ivoire, we even lost a friendly. It was a low moment, but I remember we kept telling ourselves that we would do well at the AFCON, and whether we liked it or not, it was about a positive mindset.

“Jose Peseiro [former Super Eagles coach], when he came in, told us good evening guys, my name is Jose Santos Peseiro. I’m here to win the AFCON. That was the first thing he said. When he made that statement, I took it up with a positive mindset. Anytime we met or assembled in camp, he kept telling us that the mission was to win the AFCON and when we got to Cote d’Ivoire, the first game was a draw against Equatorial Guinea and from then on, the team resolved to win each game. Game after game, we resolved to win… Every department, every unit, whether the medical team, the security, everyone, the team had to work hand in hand to ensure we did well.

“We wanted to beat Cote d’Ivoire, but then we could see that it was just their time, and they took it well. Otherwise, it was our tournament. And I’m sure the Federal Government noticed that. It was a high point, and it was also a great one. The memory is always in my head of me shaking the hands of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and then receiving the national honour as a member of the Order of the Niger… I don’t know how many MON talked sports…

“They promised every member of the team a 3-bedroom apartment. They’ve even reached out to us to choose our location. Yes, I can confirm that they’ve reached out to us to confirm the location where we want the house to tell you that it was not an audio promise. The government is working to ensure the houses, and also the land allocated to us by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike [get to us]. Of course, he also reached out to us to tell him where the land would be.”

Talking about these promises, do you mean it is still in the pipeline? It has not been delivered to the individuals yet?

“It can’t just come like that, but the fact is that we are not the ones prompting them if they are reaching out to us. They gave us the available locations so it means the houses are there. Yeah, it is a promise. This government has not promised and has failed. They’ve asked us about the house and where we want it. I’ve picked my location but I won’t tell you.

“I respect the minister of sports, John Enoh; I think he’s done very well. He has followed up on a lot of things. He has done very well, and Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and then the president have done well pushing hard that football remains a thriving tool and a major force engaging the youth and Nigerians are happy, so we are all happy.”

Alright, sir, now that you are the former media officer of the Super Eagles, what’s your relationship with the team’s current players and the former coach Jose Peseiro like? Do you guys still keep in touch?

“Yes, I made friends with virtually the entire team, and I’m still in touch with my team manager, the medical crew, and the players; they were wonderful friends, and they are still wonderful friends. They are great guys. Troost Ekong, Ahmed Musa we are still talking. We still chatted like yesterday or the day before.

“Jose Peseiro is a great leader. That’s why people like that, they don’t just leave your memory like that. Knowing that his daughter is getting married, I had to congratulate him cause, yeah, it’s more than just a subordinate relationship. He’s a senior friend. Even if I’ve left, we still talk… I still talk with members of the team; we still maintain that strong bond, so I’m still very much in touch with virtually all of them.”

From all you have said here, you have really lived a busy life, how have you been balancing work with family?

“Tough one, because the nature of our jobs is that one has to be on the road all the time. But the good thing is that I’m blessed with a very supportive wife. She knows when I’m out to play the striking role, she mans the defence for the home. However, I also ensure I carve out very quality time for vacation. That one is sacrosanct.”

Okay, sir, the Super Eagles are currently struggling, especially in terms of qualifying for the next World Cup and getting a new coach after Finidi George resigned. So what’s your take on everything going on around the Super Eagles, currently?

“You know, nothing good comes easy. Playing at the World Cup doesn’t come on a platter of gold. We will be at the World Cup in 2026; if there’s anything I will tell everyone; Nigeria will be at the World Cup: United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. The qualifiers will be due next year, and we’ll take all 6 games. 18 points is not something we cannot achieve; we can achieve it; I know what the NFF can do; I know what the players can do. I felt the mental strength in this team and I know the same thing will be replicated when the qualifiers for the World Cup resume… It’ll be a different ball game entirely… And I think people will see the Super Eagles in beast mode, something we saw at the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire… The World Cup is our birthright; yes, it’s our birthright; we should be at the World Cup, and I’m very positive that we’ll be at the World Cup.

There is no pressure at all, but with the crop of players we have, we will be at the World Cup and not just being at the World Cup as participants, it’s an expanded format, and we have more teams at the World Cup. We can’t have more teams at the World Cup and Nigeria is not there. We’re the life of the party and we’ll be at the World Cup. Nigerians will be happy for it. So we’ll kick start the journey again next year and then Nigeria will be at the World Cup, I’m very positive. I know the sports minister with the NFF will be working on it. It’s also a project for the Federal Government to be at the world because remember that 2026 will be the year preceding an election year… There’s always tension around such periods like that. So what other way to calm the tension than having the Super Eagles play at the World Cup? And not just playing at the World Cup, excelling at the World Cup, so we’ll be at the World Cup and we’ll do well at the World Cup in 2026.”

Alright, sir. In terms of coaching, currently, the Super Eagles have no head coach; speaking as an individual, who do you think should come in to help the Super Eagles at this point?

“…I’m sure the NFF has a responsible minister working well to ensure they get the best for us… I’m sure it’s going to be a huge task for the person that will be there… So whoever is appointed, trust me, will get it for us and all we should do as Nigerians is to support that coach, support the team, support the NFF, support the sports ministry, and believe that we have to be at the World Cup. Let us not criticize the team, no matter what, be positive. The team will be positive all through from when the qualifiers resume. I know the NFF will get the best man for the job to take Nigeria to the World Cup.”

Thanks, sir; what is next now for Babafemi Raji, MON, the Topmoststriker? What should we be expecting from you, sir?

“Well at the moment, I’m still resting, being with the family, and playing tennis. Like I told you, I consult for a PR communication firm that’s here in Nigeria and also in the UK. And I’m still around within the sports industry. Very soon we’ll roll out everything that will be done. I’m sure it’s going to create a big frenzy in the industry; it’s just a moment.

“All I’m just doing right now is to just stay low and relax. It’s seventeen years of nonstop; it’s just as if I’ve played the first half of my life, so let me play the second half. Let me rest. After the first half, you go rest first? Come play the second half. If God can say okay o, my son, let me give you extra time, I’ll do extra time, but I hope I’m able to achieve everything God has designed for me within ninety minutes, so I won’t be begging God for extra time.”

Yes, alright sir. Thank you very much for your time, sir. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours, sir.

“Thank you!”