Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has sparked major debate after boldly declaring that Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco may actually be a setback rather than a blessing — arguing that the competition will distract the nation from urgently fixing its broken football system.
In a surprisingly blunt assessment, Sodje said Nigeria’s football is in such disarray, from poor administration to failed structures and worsening national team standards, that participating in AFCON might temporarily cover up the deeper problems that need immediate overhaul.
“AFCON is a distraction for Nigeria right now. Honestly, I wish we didn’t qualify,” he said.
Sodje’s comments come in the aftermath of Nigeria missing two consecutive FIFA World Cups, a failure he believes should have triggered nationwide reform instead of business-as-usual preparations for another tournament.
“There is a lot wrong with our football. We missed back-to-back World Cups, yet nothing serious has changed. Instead of fixing things, we rush into AFCON,” he lamented.
The former Reading and West Brom defender insisted that the country needs a complete structural reset, including transparency in player selection, accountability among administrators, and long-term planning, not another attempt to “paper over the cracks” with AFCON participation.
“This team and the entire system need fixing from top to bottom. AFCON will shift the focus from the real issues,” he warned.
Sodje said qualifying for AFCON should not deceive anyone into thinking Nigerian football is healthy, adding that the problems are deep and systemic.
“Don’t let AFCON fool us. Nigeria has big issues. Qualifying doesn’t mean we are improving,” he added.
However, he also clarified that his comments are not a criticism of the players but a reflection of the bigger picture.
“The players will always give their best. But the structure around them is the problem, and AFCON won’t magically fix it,” he said.
Sodje concluded with a sobering message:“Nigeria needs rebuilding, real rebuilding. Until we focus on that, results will not change, with or without AFCON.”
