Nigeria’s former national team players are raising concerns about the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) preparation for the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign. They are skeptical about the Super Eagles’ ability to perform well, especially since the NFF has yet to appoint a permanent head coach for the team, just weeks before their crucial matches.
The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic on Saturday, September 7 in Uyo, followed by a match against Rwanda three days later. Both opponents are also in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying group, with Benin Republic already having defeated the Super Eagles in a previous encounter in June.
Former head coach Finidi George resigned shortly after these matches, leaving the team without a coach. While the squad list for the qualifiers is yet to be finalized, speculations link Swedish manager Janne Andersson and former Ivory Coast coach Harve Renard to the vacant position.
Expressing his thoughts, former Eagles captain Henry Nwosu, who previously served as an assistant coach, stated, “Nigerians have a tendency to address issues hastily. I am not surprised by the delay in appointing a new coach, but I trust they will find a suitable candidate in time.
Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, criticized the NFF’s handling of the situation, drawing parallels to past mistakes made during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara voiced his disappointment with the NFF’s approach, highlighting the absence of a coach close to important matches. He emphasized the need for professionalism and timely decision-making to ensure the team’s success.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau pledged to take decisive measures following discussions with the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, signaling efforts to address the challenges ahead, including the AFCON qualifiers.