Odegbami: Nigerian football in its 'worst time' as overhaul begins
September 23, 2026 12:41
Former Nigeria forward Segun Odegbami has described the state of Nigerian football as the "worst time" in its history as the country starts its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Odegbami pointed to recent failures across senior and junior levels and weaknesses in the domestic game.
KEY CONTEXT
Over the past year both the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons failed to qualify for their respective Fifa World Cups. Nigeria has also produced disappointing results at age-group level and in African club competitions, although the country did reach the quarter-finals of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
Odegbami, who won Afcon with Nigeria in 1980, told BBC Sport Africa: "It has never been this bad in our entire history that we didn't qualify for the World Cup." He added that the Super Falcons "failed to win a competition (the 2025 Women's Afcon) that was just there for their taking" and criticised the domestic league for not generating revenue.
ADMINISTRATIVE SHAKE-UP
The crisis has already prompted major changes at the Nigeria Football Federation. President Ibrahim Gusau, general secretary Mohammed Sanusi and multiple executive committee members resigned last month amid mounting criticism. Fifa and the Confederation of African Football have held discussions with the National Sports Commission over the future structure of Nigerian football, and parties are working towards a roadmap for comprehensive reforms.
NFF elections that had been scheduled for 27 September have been suspended. Emmanuel Ikpeme has been appointed interim general secretary, with Ademola Olajire as interim deputy general secretary. President Bola Tinubu publicly called for reforms to address what he described as "repeated failures."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Those involved say they are aiming to produce a blueprint covering all aspects of football development in Nigeria. Debate among stakeholders is ongoing about whether deeper structural changes beyond leadership turnover are required.
KEY FACTS
- Both senior Nigeria teams missed recent Fifa World Cups (senior men's and women's tournaments).
- Nigeria reached the Under-20 Women's World Cup quarter-finals.
- NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and general secretary Mohammed Sanusi resigned last month.
- Fifa and Caf have met with the National Sports Commission; NFF elections scheduled for 27 September have been suspended.
- Emmanuel Ikpeme and Ademola Olajire are serving as interim NFF general secretary and deputy general secretary.