Former African Cup of Nations champion Segun Odegbami says Nigeria is facing its worst period in football history after the Super Eagles and Super Falcons missed the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, calling for structural reforms and praising FIFA’s recent intervention.
Former Africa Cup of Nations winner Segun Odegbami has described the current state of Nigerian football as the "worst time in its history," after both the men’s Super Eagles and women’s Super Falcons failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups. According to a recent report, the 74‑year‑old former striker blamed the sport’s leadership for the decline and warned that without fundamental structural changes the situation could worsen further.
Odegbami’s criticism resurfaced during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja in mid‑September 2026 that included representatives from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football. Following the talks, he called FIFA’s involvement a "blessing" and a "necessary step" to address the administrative crisis that has plagued the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). He also reiterated that the current NFF board lacks the experience needed to manage the game effectively.
The former star highlighted a broader pattern of underperformance: beyond senior teams, junior squads have struggled in continental competitions, and Nigerian clubs have failed to make significant progress in African tournaments. While the under‑20 women’s side recently reached the quarter‑finals of the U‑20 Women’s World Cup, Odegbami said this isolated success does not offset the overall decline.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Odegbami urged a "tectonic shift" in governance, calling for transparent administration, investment in grassroots development, and a clear strategic plan. He emphasized that the nation’s football heritage, built on past triumphs such as the 1980 Afcon victory, deserves a revival built on sustainable structures rather than short‑term fixes.
Observers note that Odegbami’s remarks come at a pivotal moment, with FIFA’s potential sanctions and CAF’s oversight looming. The former champion’s call for reform adds pressure on the NFF to act before the next qualification cycle, as fans and stakeholders alike demand a return to the standards that once made Nigeria a continental powerhouse.