On September 9, 2025, Nigeria’s Super Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa in Bloemfontein, dimming 2026 World Cup hopes.
Fans and Nigerian musician Odumodublvck fiercely criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), calling it a “terrible organization” for the team’s poor performance. The draw left Nigeria third in Group C with 11 points, six behind leaders South Africa.
Qualification Hopes Fade
With only two games left, Nigeria faces missing consecutive World Cups for the first time, after failing to qualify for 2022.
The Super Eagles struggled with home draws against Lesotho, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Fans fear stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman may miss their prime World Cup years due to NFF’s mismanagement.
Key Criticisms of NFF
- Coaching instability: Frequent changes, including Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle, disrupted team performance.
- Poor player selections: Questionable call-ups of players like Sodiq Ismaila and Ibrahim Olawoyin.
- Operational failures: Delays in player payments and inadequate tournament preparation.
Public Outcry Grows
Odumodublvck, whose real name is Tochukwu Ojogwu, voiced frustration, saying the NFF robs Nigerians of joy.
Fans echoed this, demanding an NFF overhaul, with some calling for the chairman’s resignation. Others compared the NFF’s failures to broader national issues, urging systemic reform beyond football.
Final Qualification Push
Nigeria’s last qualifiers are against Lesotho at home and Benin Republic away in October 2025. They must win both and hope South Africa stumbles.
The team’s inconsistent campaign, marked by coaching changes, fuels doubts about their chances.
Why It Matters
The NFF criticism reflects deep national disappointment, as football unites Nigerians. Missing the 2026 World Cup would hurt players’ careers and national pride, pushing calls for structural changes to restore Nigeria’s football dominance.
