Former Super Eagles international Duke Udi has played down the petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against the Democratic Republic of Congo, insisting that Nigeria should focus on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup through sporting merit rather than administrative routes.
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Speaking in reaction to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, Udi made it clear that he is not a supporter of what he described as “backdoor qualification.”
According to the former midfielder, the Super Eagles should channel their energy into improving performances on the pitch and preparing better for future qualifying campaigns.
“I am not a fan of qualifying through petitions or off-the-pitch processes,” Udi said. “Nigeria should always aim to qualify by winning games and earning it the right way.”
Udi acknowledged that football authorities are within their rights to pursue legal and regulatory options if they believe rules were breached.
However, he stressed that relying on FIFA verdicts can become a major distraction for players, officials, and fans alike.
“If FIFA eventually rules in Nigeria’s favour, then fine, it can be accepted,” he added. “But it should not be forced or relied upon as the main route to qualification.”
The former international warned that prolonged focus on petitions could divert attention from the deeper issues affecting Nigerian football, including preparation, consistency, and long-term planning.
He believes the Super Eagles’ struggles in recent qualifiers should serve as a wake-up call for administrators and players.
“We should be asking ourselves why it even got to this point,” Udi said. “Nigeria has the talent, but talent alone is not enough. Preparation, discipline, and seriousness in qualifiers are what matter.”
Udi also urged fans to manage expectations as they await FIFA’s decision, noting that disappointment could follow if the ruling does not go Nigeria’s way.
“Fans should not put all their hopes on this verdict,” he cautioned. “Football is won and lost on the field, and that is where Nigeria must return its focus.”
Looking ahead, Udi called on the NFF to strengthen planning structures, support the coaching crew adequately, and ensure that future qualification campaigns are approached with greater urgency and professionalism.
“Nigeria is too big in football to be depending on petitions,” he concluded. “The Super Eagles must get back to qualifying by right, not by chance.”
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