Former British and Commonwealth Super Lightweight Boxing Champion, Peter Oboh, has called for a fundamental mental and structural overhaul of the Super Eagles, stating that Nigeria’s footballers must transform their mindset to start winning major international trophies.

In an exclusive interview, Oboh argued that while Nigeria is brimming with individual talent, the team consistently fails to play to its full potential due to a lack of a winning mentality and a cohesive team system.

“Nigeria is very talented, but we don’t always play to our full capacity. When it’s time to step up to the next level, we struggle,” Oboh stated. “We should be winning cups by now. With over 500 Nigerians playing abroad, many as key starters, the quality is undeniable. The problem is not a lack of skill, but a lack of the mental strength of true combatants.”

He pinpointed the inability to close out games as a critical weakness. “We know how to participate, but finishing matches — killing games — that mentality is not there. This is why we sometimes lose to lowly ranked teams despite our superior quality.”

To address this, Oboh recommended the integration of sports psychologists and inspirational coaches who can effectively motivate and unite the squad.

While commending the progress made under the current coach, who guided the team to a playoff ticket, Oboh warned that sustainable success hinges on a collective shift in attitude. “Football today is about teamwork, not individuals. If we focus on one goal – winning – we can succeed.”

Systemic Failures and the League Problem

Oboh also highlighted crippling systemic issues that hinder performance, citing poor logistics, welfare problems, and inadequate planning in national team camps.

“Players must be happy to perform well. Sometimes, basics are missing—medical delays, poor planning. A professional setup must prepare ahead,” he noted.

He identified the weak domestic league as a root cause of the team’s lack of cohesion. Unlike South Africa, which can field a core of home-based players who train together regularly, Nigeria’s best players are scattered across Europe.

“If our league was strong, the NFF could assemble local players early for extended training camps. Right now, players fly in from different clubs just days before a match,” Oboh explained, suggesting this is a key reason South Africa held Nigeria to draws in their recent encounters.

A Path Forward and a Personal Wish

Despite the challenges, Oboh remains optimistic. “Nigeria has the talent, exposure, and experience. If we fix the mindset and support system, we can succeed,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a personal plea for the development of Nigerian football, expressing his biggest wish: “My biggest wish is for the Nigeria domestic football league to be upgraded and the players to be well paid. That will curb the frequent migration of our best legs abroad. If they are here, the players will be used to each other’s style.”

Oboh also called for the emergence of private-sector sports pillars, like the late MKO Abiola, to help finance and develop sports, reducing sole reliance on government funding.