Former Nigerian international Benedict Akwuegbu has delivered a stark warning: the current dysfunction in Nigeria’s football structure places the country at risk of failing to qualify for two successive FIFA World Cups.
The former striker emphasized that if reforms are not implemented, Nigeria’s standing in global and continental football will continue to decline.
Read Also: Ogum Reveals Tactical Masterplan That Outwitted Nigeria in WAFU U-17 Semi
In comments made after Nigeria’s exit from youth competition, Akwuegbu contended that the rot in Nigerian football is systemic. He argued that when things are “not right,” it affects every level—from grassroots development to national teams—and can lead to embarrassing losses even to smaller nations on home soil.
He urged a wholesale change in how administration, logistics, coaching, and preparations are handled, insisting that past successes cannot be relied upon indefinitely. If Nigeria is to reclaim its glory days, Akwuegbu stressed, the structural and operational model must be overhauled.
His statements follow a growing chorus of concern over the lack of consistency, planning, and accountability in Nigerian football. With the Golden Eaglets failing to reach the U-17 AFCON and other national teams underachieving, Akwuegbu’s message strikes at a nerve: unless reforms occur fast, even qualifying for major tournaments could become a struggle rather than expectation.
