Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has dismissed the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to establish a fact-finding committee to examine the country’s recent national-team failures, describing the move as a waste of time.
Sodje believes the committee will achieve little if the same leadership responsible for overseeing the national teams remains at the centre of the process.
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His comments come amid renewed scrutiny of the NFF following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Falcons’ historic absence from the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and the recent setbacks suffered by the country’s youth teams.
The former defender argued that Nigerians have seen similar investigations and committees established after previous failures without meaningful changes being implemented.
“This is not the time to set up another committee to find out what went wrong. This is the time for accountability.”
Sodje believes the NFF’s decision risks shifting attention away from those responsible for the administration and preparation of the national teams.
He argued that the federation cannot effectively investigate failures in which its own leadership and structures are part of the issues being questioned.
The NFF has previously established committees and technical structures to address problems affecting the national teams, while its executive committee has also announced measures aimed at improving preparation and football development. (thenff.com)
Sodje therefore urged Nigerians not to be distracted by the latest announcement, insisting that the focus should remain on responsibility, transparency and concrete reforms.
His criticism comes as pressure continues to mount on the NFF leadership ahead of the federation’s elective congress, which is scheduled for September 27, 2026. (thenff.com)
The former international believes another committee should not become an excuse to delay difficult decisions or avoid accountability for the country’s recent football setbacks.
For Sodje, Nigerian football needs action and responsibility rather than another cycle of investigations followed by little or no change.
