Chaos in Nigeria’s politics has now seeped into football. The pattern is familiar: those benefiting from the system act as if nothing is wrong, while failure is celebrated or ignored. And now, our football faces the same crisis.

No reasonable person can defend Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, particularly the limp display against DR Congo. The Eagles were slow in defence, sloppy in transitions, and largely toothless in attack—except for Victor Osimhen, whose individual brilliance often masks deeper tactical flaws. Without him, the team collapses, as Congo proved by eliminating Nigeria after we failed to survive a relatively manageable qualifying group.

Players like Alex Iwobi, who shine at their clubs, often disappear in national colours. Modern football relies on collective movement, pressing, and coordinated attacks—qualities glaringly absent in the Eagles. This is not a player issue; it’s a coaching issue.

Yet some still defend the coach. How has Nigerian football decayed to the point that mediocrity is celebrated? Even legends like Segun Odegbami called Sunday’s Eagles the poorest they had ever seen: no midfield organisation, directionless attacking runs, and substitutes brought on and off without reason.

Compounding the problem was the players’ sit-out over unpaid allowances before the Gabon match. Yes, the NFF erred, but the players’ indiscipline worsened the situation. Two wrongs don’t make a goal, and a World Cup qualifier is no time to protest.

The most shocking aspect: a coach blaming defeat on juju. In 2024, a modern football coach citing voodoo as the reason for losing? This is beyond unprofessional—it signals a lack of capacity to lead Nigeria anywhere near the global elite.

The NFF has failed again. Under the current leadership, the federation appears incapable of rescuing Nigerian football. The country deserves a better coach, a stronger federation, and a vision beyond excuses and shadow-blaming.

Nigeria has the talent, resources, and history to build a football system worthy of its potential. Right now, however, our football is playing below its destiny. Change is possible, but it requires leadership, accountability, and a commitment to the game—not to personal pockets or political connections.