Former Nigerian international Gbenga Okunowo has issued a strong warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting that any attempt to overhaul the Super Eagles’ squad or coaching setup just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could lead to outright disaster.
Nigeria is still reeling from its painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Okunowo believes this is not the time for panic or impulsive decisions.
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Instead, he argues, the focus must shift immediately to preparing properly for the AFCON scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
According to the former Barcelona right-back, calls for sweeping changes in the team or the technical crew could destabilise the already shaken squad.
“We’ve missed the World Cup, but tearing this team apart now—so close to AFCON—could be disastrous,” Okunowo cautioned. He urged the NFF to allow the current head coach to remain in charge until after the tournament, stressing that continuity is essential if Nigeria hopes to regain momentum.
Okunowo also placed responsibility squarely on the players, insisting it is time they rediscover their hunger and commitment.
“The players must wake up, correct their mistakes, and start rewriting the story from the AFCON in Morocco,” he said.
He emphasised that despite the disappointment of missing a second consecutive World Cup, the AFCON presents the perfect opportunity for the team to restore pride and rebuild trust with fans. What Nigeria needs now, he said, is clear planning, unity, and focus, not chaos.
With just weeks left before Africa’s biggest football competition kicks off, Okunowo’s warning rings loud:
One wrong move from the NFF, and Nigeria risks turning a World Cup failure into an AFCON catastrophe.
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