NFF’s failures, player indiscipline threaten Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes — Sports editors
The Guild of Sports Editors of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) handling of the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, describing it as a combination of poor planning and a failure to enforce discipline among players.
Nigeria currently risks missing out on an automatic qualification spot and may not even reach the playoffs unless South Africa or Benin Republic drop points unexpectedly, while the Super Eagles must win their final two matches with convincing goal margins.
In a statement signed by its President, Tony Ubani, and Secretary, Dare Esan, the Guild criticised the lack of decisive action when the new qualification format was announced in 2023. They said the NFF failed to prepare adequately and allowed player indiscipline to disrupt the campaign.
“We watched in dismay as the NFF delayed the appointment of a substantive coach after parting ways with Jose Peseiro,” the statement read. “The handling of the Finidi George situation showed the Federation was unprepared to address the urgent need to revive the team’s qualification hopes.”
The editors also condemned the growing presence of content creators and social media distractions in the national team camp, noting that more disciplined football nations restrict such access to maintain focus and professionalism.
Furthermore, the Guild criticised the NFF for failing to object when Zimbabwe and Lesotho chose to host their ‘home’ matches in South Africa, effectively handing South Africa six home games in a nine-match campaign. This, they argued, unfairly tilted the group in South Africa’s favour.
They also pointed to a lack of discipline within the squad, noting that players were allowed to arrive late to camp without consequences. “Before the home game against Lesotho, the team only had its first full training session on Wednesday ahead of a Saturday match. This is unacceptable for a country that missed the last World Cup,” they said.
Finally, the editors called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate national stadia in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu, arguing that over-reliance on the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo had become a liability. They urged support for the Super Eagles in their final two games, which could still see Nigeria qualify for the playoffs as one of the best second-placed teams.
