Nigeria’s Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has urged the nation to resist the temptation to trade blame and instead rally around the Super Eagles after their heartbreaking World Cup playoff exit to DR Congo.
In the wake of nationwide frustration, Olopade has taken a statesmanlike stance, insisting that the players deserve praise, not condemnation, for fighting until the last kick of a dramatic penalty shootout in Rabat.
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Calling the players “heroes in difficult circumstances,” the DG said Nigerians must remember that football comes with highs and lows, and that moments of disappointment are when true support is needed most.
According to him, the Eagles gave everything despite the chaos, pressure and emotionally draining events that surrounded the buildup to the game.
Olopade insisted that dwelling on the collapse would be counterproductive, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations just weeks away. He stressed that the AFCON represents the next major opportunity for redemption, and the country cannot afford to approach it with a divided house or a demoralised squad.
“Now is the moment to wrap our arms around this team,” he said. “We can analyse later, but first we must lift their spirit. They fought. They tried. They gave us hope until the last second. This is not the time to tear anyone down.”
While Nigerians have been expressing despair over missing consecutive World Cups, Olopade warned that sinking into negativity could derail the AFCON preparations.
He urged football administrators, technical staff and government agencies to close ranks immediately and ensure that distractions do not seep into the upcoming continental tournament.
In his view, what the Super Eagles need most is stability, unity and encouragement, not finger-pointing or emotional decisions. He called for a reset in attitude nationwide, reminding fans that support is easiest when everything is going well — and most important when everything is not.
