Nigerians call for NFF leadership change after Super Eagles miss second consecutive World Cup
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Nigeria's failure to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup has led to increased calls for a leadership change within the Nigeria Football Federation NFF. Football stakeholders are urging the current board to take responsibility and step down ahead of the federation's next electoral cycle. Former Nigeria international Abiodun Obafemi supports an overhaul to restore stability to Nigerian football, stating that the country cannot continue with the status quo. Former Green Eagles captain Segun Odegbami attributes the Super Eagles' absence from the tournament to deep-rooted administrative problems rather than a lack of talent, emphasizing that those in charge must accept responsibility for the decline. He also noted the lack of enthusiasm in Nigeria during the ongoing World Cup as a reflection of this disappointment. Calls for accountability have gained momentum, with some fans on social media demanding action from the NFF leadership. However, National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade insists that any change at the NFF must occur through democratic means, not public pressure. Olopade also rejected the idea that the current leadership is solely to blame for the back-to-back World Cup failures, attributing the first missed qualification to the previous administration led by Amaju Pinnick and highlighting the current board's performance in other tournaments as evidence of progress.
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