Former Nigeria international Austin Popo has urged stakeholders to take a broader view when assessing the performance of the Nigeria Football Federation, warning that focusing solely on the Super Eagles is a shallow way to judge progress.
In response to criticism following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Popo argued that evaluating the federation based only on the national team’s results ignores deeper, structural issues within Nigerian football.
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“It’s not just about the Super Eagles,” he stressed.
According to Popo, true development in football begins from the grassroots, an area he believes requires more attention and investment.
He pointed out that issues such as youth development, league organization, governance, and player welfare are all critical components of a successful football system.
“You have to look at the foundation,” he implied, emphasizing that sustainable success cannot be built without a strong base. For Popo, the obsession with the Super Eagles risks masking these underlying problems.
While national team performance is important, he believes it should not be the sole benchmark for judging the effectiveness of the federation.
“There is more to football than one team,” he noted.
The former international warned that without addressing these structural challenges, Nigeria may continue to face setbacks, regardless of the talent available at the senior level.
He called for a more holistic approach — one that prioritizes long-term development over short-term results.
Popo’s comments offer a different perspective in the ongoing debate about Nigerian football governance.
While many critics focus on immediate outcomes, he is urging stakeholders to look deeper and consider the bigger picture.
As discussions continue, his message is clear.
If the foundation is weak, the structure will struggle.
And for Nigerian football, strengthening that foundation may be the key to lasting success.
