Former US international and current football commentator Janusz Michallik has shared his thoughts on the issues plaguing Nigeria football.

Michallik, who represented the US national team between 1991 and 1994, now works as an analyst for ESPN, SiriusXM, and Polish television network TVP Sport.

Janusz Michallik. (Photo Credit: Al Bello /Allsport)

In an exclusive interview with Brila FM, he provided a candid assessment of the Super Eagles’ underperformance and the federation’s mismanagement.

Nigeria’s Problems Start at the Top

When asked about the Super Eagles’ coaching dilemma and why the team has struggled to meet expectations, Michallik didn’t mince words.

“Nigeria’s problem is Nigeria. And it never changes,” he stated bluntly.

“The level of talent and quality is clear for all to see. Since 1994, the country has produced wonderful players. Imagine if most nations had access to this kind of talent in the organization.”

Nigeria seems stuck in a cycle of debate over whether to hire a local or foreign coach, but Michallik believes the problem goes much deeper than the coach alone.

It’s Not Just About the Coach

“Nigeria FA needs to figure out what they want. It’s always the same conversation: should we have a local coach? Then a foreign coach comes in, and it goes over and over again.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau. Photo | NFF

“Find the right coach, and the right manager, but that’s not going to be enough.”

“I have a feeling that even if Pep Guardiola comes, who knows if he is going to achieve anything. You’ve got to have an organization around him, that’s how to help him. Everything should go towards that.”

World Cup Misses Are “Unthinkable”

Michallik expressed his disbelief at the possibility of Nigeria missing out on another World Cup, emphasizing that the federation needs to take responsibility for the nation’s underperformance on the global stage.

“For Nigeria to be where they are now, potentially missing the World Cup—it’s unthinkable,” he said.

What Needs to Be Fixed

Nigeria has the talent, but the environment created by the NFF is not conducive to success.

“The players are always ready. What’s missing is strong leadership at the top, supported by the federation. When I say support, I understand that Nigeria won’t have the resources for some of the biggest coaches, but there are coaches out there who really want that job, who want to work with players like this.

“If you’re a coach, you think: if I have the talent, I have a chance.

Super Eagles coaches led by Austin Eguavoen during a training session. Photo | X (CoachDan_Ijabal)

“Nigeria has the talent, but everything surrounding it is not a great environment to have success, and to me, that’s the simplest thing to fix.”

“The easiest thing to fix is to be organized and to create an environment for a good coach because the talent is already there.”

A Wake-Up Call for Nigerian Football

If Nigeria continues down this path of disorganization and mismanagement, the idea of missing another World Cup could soon become a reality.

But unless the NFF takes a long, hard look at itself and starts putting the right systems in place, Nigeria will continue to waste its footballing potential.

This isn’t just an issue for the players or the coaches. It’s an issue that speaks to the heart of Nigerian football—its leadership, its priorities, and its ability to plan for the future.

Until those in charge are willing to make the necessary changes, maybe no amount of talent will be enough to save the Super Eagles from mediocrity.