With less than a month to go until the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers kicks off, the Super Eagles find themselves in a troubling position, still without a coach.
The countdown stands at just 25 days, and yet, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) seems stuck in the same cycle of administrative inertia that has plagued it for years.
This recurring scenario is more than just a matter of timing; it reflects a deep-seated issue within Nigerian sports management.
The NFF’s inability to act decisively is not only frustrating but also detrimental to the future of Nigerian football.
A History of Administrative Failures
There’s a saying that rings particularly true here, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the NFF has found itself in this precarious position. The saddest part? They’ve chosen to ignore the lessons from previous disasters.
Take, for instance, the more recent World Cup qualifiers where former coach Finidi George was appointed just a month before two critical matches against South Africa and Benin Republic a decision that was doomed from the start.
Despite knowing José Peseiro’s contract would end after the AFCON tournament, no preparations were made for his departure.
The result? A disastrous campaign that left Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying hanging by a thread.
This failure to plan has become a disturbing trend, leading to repeated cycles of chaos and underperformance.
A National Disgrace
Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje, who recently spoke on Brila Media, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the NFF, calling the current situation “a disgrace to Nigerian football.”
“It’s just sad that we’re still talking about a coach, and there’s nothing we can say. Not only football, but sports in the country have really gone down. I think football has been something that we have to agree that we’ve lost touch with,” Sodje said.
“Not having a coach at this time is terrible. But just because we have to play the game, having an interim manager might be the best idea, but it has to be done ASAP.”
A Broader Problem in Nigerian Sports
The issues plaguing the Super Eagles are symptomatic of a broader problem in Nigerian sports.
The recently concluded 2024 Olympics serves as another glaring example.
Nigeria failed to win a single medal, despite sending its largest-ever contingent of athletes; 88 in total.
This was the first time since 2012 that Nigeria returned from the Olympics empty-handed, raising serious questions about the Country’s direction in Sports.
A Race Against Time
Though names like Steve McClaren, Hervé Renard, and Eric Chelle have been floated as potential candidates for the Super Eagles role, as of now, there’s no resolution in sight.
The upcoming qualifiers for next year’s Continental showpiece are crucial for the players, offering a chance to build their confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying are slipping away. Winning the remaining six games is now a must.
The Super Eagles will once again face familiar foes in the AFCON qualifiers, Benin Republic and Rwanda, the same teams they will also face next year in the World Cup qualifiers – this could be a blessing in disguise.
A win against these opponents could significantly boost their confidence and set the team on a new manager bounce, which will be essential for securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, at least.
Missing two consecutive World Cups would be a blow to Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in African football.
The Clock Is Ticking
As the matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda draw closer, the pressure is mounting on the NFF to select a capable coach who can steer the team to success.
The prospect of appointing an interim coach seems likely, but this is not a long-term solution.
All eyes are on the NFF, and the nation waits with bated breath to see who takes the reins as Super Eagles head coach ahead of 2025 AFCON.
