Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has issued a strong warning to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting that its leadership should resign if Nigeria fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s absence from the 2022 tournament in Qatar remains fresh in the minds of football fans, and with the Super Eagles now struggling again in their qualification campaign, fears are growing that history could repeat itself. For Oliseh, another failure at this level would be unacceptable.
“If we miss the World Cup for a second time in a row, it will deal a deadly blow to Nigerian football,” Oliseh said. “The NFF must take responsibility. They cannot continue to lead after such a setback. They should step aside and allow new people with better ideas to come in.”
A Painful Memory from Qatar 2022:
The Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup was one of the biggest disappointments in the nation’s football history. After a tense play-off against Ghana ended in heartbreak in Abuja, millions of Nigerians were left devastated. That failure not only dented the pride of the country but also carried financial consequences, with Nigeria missing out on FIFA’s revenue packages and global exposure.
Now, barely three years later, the national team is once again in danger. Despite having one of the most talented squads on the continent, the Eagles have struggled for consistency, dropping valuable points that could cost them dearly in the long run.
The Current Situation:
After six games in their qualifying group, Nigeria sits fourth with only seven points. South Africa are out in front with 13 points, Rwanda and Benin both have eight points each, while Lesotho are close behind on six. Zimbabwe sit bottom with four points but are not entirely out of contention.
For a country with Nigeria’s football pedigree, being fourth in such a group is seen by many as unacceptable. Oliseh believes the team still has the quality to turn things around, but insists the NFF must be held accountable if the worst happens.
Why Oliseh is Speaking Out:
Oliseh, who captained Nigeria during his playing days and later managed the team, has never been shy about voicing his opinions on Nigerian football. This latest outburst reflects his frustration with what he sees as poor planning, weak leadership, and a lack of accountability at the top level of administration.
“We are too big a footballing nation to gamble with World Cup tickets,” Oliseh stressed. “It’s not about blaming coaches or players alone. Leadership must answer for repeated failures. If we cannot qualify for two consecutive World Cups, then change at the NFF is not just necessary , it is compulsory.”
The Bigger Picture:
Missing another World Cup would have lasting consequences beyond just pride and prestige. The tournament is the biggest stage for showcasing Nigerian talent, attracting scouts, and boosting the players’ value on the international market. It also provides the federation with huge financial rewards that are vital for grassroots and developmental programs.
Fans and stakeholders alike have already begun voicing their anger and frustration online, calling for urgent reforms to prevent Nigerian football from slipping further into crisis.
What Next?
The Super Eagles still have matches left to rescue their campaign, starting with a crucial clash against Rwanda. Victories in their remaining games will be necessary to stand a chance of qualification, but the pressure is immense.”
Galaxy Sports
