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The Super Eagles had the potential to make history during their debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, but according to former international Emeka Ezeugo, poor team selection was the reason they fell short in their Round of 16 clash against Italy.
Despite leading for most of the match, Nigeria ultimately lost 2-1 after extra time to a ten-man Italy side led by Roberto Baggio.
Speaking to Brila.net, Ezeugo alleged that the team’s coach then, Clemens Westerhof, prioritized personal gain over fielding the best lineup.
“That team was supposed to win the World Cup, but Westerhof played the players he wanted to sell,” Ezeugo claimed.
“It was not the best XI on the pitch. The wrong players played, and we lost to a 10-man Italy.
Ninety eight percent of the Super Eagles then Westerhof was their agent. He must sell his players. He sold them all and made mad money.”
Ezeugo was also critical of midfielder Sunday Oliseh, blaming him for losing track of Roberto Baggio during the decisive moments of the game.
“The instruction was for him to follow Baggio anywhere he went. Did he do even 10% of that?” Ezeugo questioned.
He further alleged that his own lack of playing time during the World Cup was due to Westerhof being Oliseh’s agent.
The former Super Eagles midfielder did not hold back in condemning what he referred to as “backdoor players,” stating that such practices continue to hinder the progress of Nigerian football.
“There are so much back door business going on in the team, how will they succeed?”
This controversial take sheds light on the internal politics that may have cost Nigeria a deeper run in the 1994 World Cup and raises questions about transparency in team management during that era.
