Former Nigerian footballer Emeka Ezeugo has expressed his frustration and concern over the state of Nigerian football, particularly the management and leadership within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
In a passionate statement, Ezeugo criticized the current administration and coaching strategies, suggesting that the nation’s football is suffering due to corruption and poor leadership.
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Ezeugo began by questioning the current reverence for Gernot Rohr, Nigeria’s former national team coach, pointing out that despite his tenure, Nigeria’s football standards have not improved.
He recalled his prediction prior to the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) that Nigeria would struggle, citing their poor performances against teams like Lesotho and Zimbabwe as indicators of deeper issues.
“Have we not made Rohr look like the greatest football coach in the world?” Ezeugo asked, highlighting the perceived decline in Nigeria’s football prowess.
Ezeugo lamented the lack of leadership qualities among former players now in administrative roles, arguing that leadership is an innate quality that many of these individuals lack.
He criticized the NFF for filling the national team with players chosen through corrupt practices, leading to subpar performances on the international stage.
He emphasized the systemic corruption within the NFF, claiming that officials act as agents, loading the national team with their own players for personal gain.
“Every Dick, Tom, and Jerry has access to Nigeria’s national team,” he stated, stressing the technical deficiencies and poor teamwork exhibited by the current squad.
Ezeugo’s criticisms extended to the broader structure of Nigerian football, accusing the NFF of being populated by corrupt officials who prioritize their interests over the sport’s development.
He called for a complete overhaul of the NFF, including the sacking of current coaches and administrators, and suggested that only a radical change could revive Nigerian football.
He concluded with a dire prediction: if these systemic issues are not addressed, Nigeria will continue to miss out on future World Cups.
“If we fail to rectify things, we will also miss the 2030 World Cup,” Ezeugo warned, advocating for a revolution within the NFF to cleanse the organization of its current maladies.
Ezeugo’s impassioned statement is a call to action for all stakeholders in Nigerian football, urging them to prioritize integrity, proper management, and genuine leadership to restore the nation’s former glory in the sport.
