Former Nigeria international Loveday Omoruyi has delivered a blunt assessment of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 AFCON, warning that the team’s performances will not improve unless major changes are made in selection, preparation, and player development.
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Speaking with striking honesty, Omoruyi said he has low expectations heading into the tournament because many of the current players have reached their peak and are unlikely to offer Nigeria anything significantly better than what fans have already seen.
“Most of these players have peaked. They cannot give more than what we’ve seen. So why are we expecting different results?” he asked.
He questioned Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on experience over innovation, arguing that the strategy has failed repeatedly at major tournaments and continues to hold back the development of younger players.
“Experience has not delivered anything meaningful in recent years. It’s time to give opportunities to new faces, especially local players,” Omoruyi stated.
He urged the technical crew to integrate home-based talents into the senior team, even if the early stages are rough. According to him, mistakes made today will produce stronger players in the next two years.
“If local players make mistakes now, they will learn and become leaders soon. But if we don’t use them, how will they ever grow?” he said.
Omoruyi also criticised the team’s preparation, calling it inconsistent, reactionary, and lacking long-term planning. He insisted that until Nigeria adopts a proper football structure, not a “one tournament at a time” mentality, results will continue to be unpredictable and disappointing.
“We don’t prepare well. We always wait until the last moment. That is why progress is slow,” he added.
The former youth international warned that Nigeria risks stagnation if it continues recycling the same players without accountability or competition for places.
“If the squad stays the same, don’t expect a miracle at AFCON. Football rewards planning, not luck,” he said.
His final message was a call for courage and reform, “We must rethink everything. Trust new players. Trust local talent. That’s the only way forward.”
