Football in Nigeria is more than just a sport. It remains arguably the most consistent unifying force in a country fragmented by ethnic, religious and political divisions. Whenever the Super Eagles take to the pitch, millions of Nigerians, regardless of tribe, creed or class, suspend their differences and rally behind a single national symbol.
This unique power of football gives the Super Eagles a symbolic importance far beyond the field. Therefore, their recent abysmal performance was not just a sporting setback but a national disappointment that demands urgent, decisive and far-reaching reforms.
The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, compounded by uninspiring displays in recent qualifiers despite the opportunity of a playoff against DR Congo, reflects a deeper structural rot in the administration of Nigerian football. The team’s struggles, ranging from a shocking loss to Rwanda to a laboured draw with South Africa and the eventual playoff defeat, exposed glaring weaknesses. The midfield lacked creativity and control, the defence appeared disorganised and the overall tactical approach was often disjointed and reactive. These failures point to a national team out of sync, lacking identity, cohesion and a long-term vision.
No doubt, a strong national team cannot exist in isolation from a strong domestic football ecosystem. The decline of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has eroded the pipeline of well-trained, disciplined local talent. Gone are the days when clubs such as Leventis United, Abiola Babes, IICC Shooting Stars and the Mighty Jets served as robust feeders of national-team players. The abandonment of grassroots development, school sports, community competitions and youth academies has left the country dependent on raw individual talent rather than a structured system for nurturing future stars.
Reversing this decline requires intentional investment: modern training facilities, a professionalised league, transparent club administration and long-term youth development programmes. Nations that dominate global football, such as France, Germany, Brazil, etc, did not arrive there by accident but through structured planning and sustained investment. Nigeria must learn from these models while adapting them to local realities.
The technical direction of the team is another critical concern. The Super Eagles need a clearly defined playing philosophy and an experienced technical crew capable of instilling discipline, tactical awareness and team unity. Modern football demands innovation, data-driven analysis and dynamic tactical flexibility. Relying on a coach with an outdated understanding of today’s game will only deepen frustration. The technical team must not only be competent but must also be given the time, resources and autonomy to implement a long-term plan rather than chase quick, cosmetic fixes.
Most fundamentally, at the heart of the crisis lies the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Chronic mismanagement, financial indiscipline, administrative inconsistency and short-term thinking have derailed progress at every stage. The NFF must embrace transparency, professionalism and a results-driven culture. Football administration cannot continue to be treated as a political reward or a platform for patronage. Reforming the NFF is not optional. It is foundational to any genuine revival.
The path forward requires collective responsibility. The current football leadership, coaches, players, clubs, corporate partners and the government must all return to the drawing board with sincerity and resolve. Plugging the leakages, rebuilding structures and restoring professionalism remain the only ways to harness Nigeria’s immense pool of talent and return the Super Eagles to their rightful place as an African powerhouse.
A successful national team does more than win trophies. It lifts national morale, inspires unity and reflects the promise of what Nigerians can achieve together. The time for half-measures is over. As the nation’s passion for the beautiful game remains undiminished, it is only fitting that Nigeria finally builds a team worthy of its unwavering support. The collective, national, call for change is loud, legitimate and long overdue.