Super Eagles and NFF: Nigeria’s Enduring Football Struggles

For the second time in eight years, Nigerian football fans are left to lament missing out on the world’s premier football tournament, the FIFA World Cup. Once again, the Super Eagles will forfeit the prestige of competing among the world’s football elite, along with the exposure it provides for young players and the potential career opportunities it could create.

This disappointment follows Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

On 16 November 2025, the Super Eagles lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a penalty shoot-out during the play-off in Rabat, Morocco. Yet many fans argue that Nigeria’s elimination was effectively sealed months earlier, due to the team’s inability to secure the top spot in a qualifying group that included Benin, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa. For many observers, the loss was both unexpected and avoidable.

A Tumultuous Qualifying Campaign

The signs of trouble emerged early in the qualifiers. Two coaches — Jose Peseiro and George Finidi — were dismissed after disappointing results. Peseiro managed only two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, while Finidi resigned following a 1–1 draw with South Africa and a 2–1 loss to Benin.

Under the guidance of a third coach, Eric Chelle, Nigeria fared better, securing four wins and two draws across six matches, including the play-off. Victories included a 2–0 win over Rwanda, a 1–0 win against Rwanda in the return leg, a 4–0 thrashing of Benin, and a 2–1 triumph over Lesotho, alongside draws against Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Despite this improvement, many pundits felt that Nigeria’s qualification was already lost, and the play-off merely offered a chance to salvage some pride — a prediction that proved accurate as the Congolese side advanced.

Systemic Issues in Nigerian Football

Daily Trust contends that the Super Eagles’ failure reflects a longstanding mismanagement of football in Nigeria by the nation’s apex body, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Fans have grown accustomed to seeing national teams fail to make a positive impact at continental or global levels, with the exception of the senior women’s team. Most age-grade teams either fail to qualify for major tournaments or underperform when they do.

This raises a troubling question: why does Nigeria continue to miss out on major competitions despite possessing world-class talent?

In the same week as Nigeria’s elimination, Victor Osimhen celebrated a league-and-cup double with Galatasaray after scoring 37 goals. Ademola Lookman has been Atalanta’s standout performer; Victor Boniface has troubled Bundesliga defences; and Premier League players such as Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are regular starters for their clubs.

Yet domestic mismanagement continues to undermine national performance. Player welfare remains a key issue: ahead of the DR Congo match, Super Eagles players boycotted training over unpaid allowances. Many have previously reported being neglected by the NFF after sustaining injuries while representing Nigeria.

Coaching recruitment has also been inconsistent, with world-class managers often unavailable, while others depart prematurely due to wage disputes or interference in team management. Preparations for tournaments are frequently left to the last minute, resulting in inadequate readiness and uncertainty for both players and fans.

A Call for Change

Daily Trust urges a radical change in approach from Nigerian football administrators. The federal government must intervene to restore order, accountability, and confidence in the management of the nation’s football. Those unwilling or unable to provide the best for Nigerian football should either resign or be replaced.

Football remains a unifying force, a source of revenue, and a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s talent internationally. It is imperative that no one continues to compromise its potential.