Ex-FCTA Spokesman Proposes Over-40 World Cup to FIFA

Nosike Ogbuenyi, a former spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and an Assistant Editor with Premium Times, has proposed to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) the introduction of an Over-40 World Cup. This proposal, submitted through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretariat in Abuja, aims to allow retired football stars aged between 40 and 65 to continue showcasing their talents.

Ogbuenyi cited the retirement of Lionel Messi from international football as a motivation for his idea. He believes this competition would enable fans to continue watching legendary players and would promote fitness among older athletes.

Ogbuenyi listed several former international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, whose participation could attract global interest. He suggested that the tournament could also discourage age cheating in youth football by providing an additional age category.

Eligibility would require participants to have represented their countries at senior international levels and to retire from senior international football before joining the competition.