Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are dimming after a shocking defeat to the Republic of Benin in Abidjan. The loss has sparked widespread anger among sports editors who follow the national team’s progress closely.
The Super Eagles’ performance drew heavy criticism, with many blaming both the players and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for the disappointing result.
ADE OJEIKERE: “We’ve blown it! When was the last time a Nigerian coach attended a coaching course? Just playing for Nigeria shouldn’t mean automatic employment for ex-internationals. My heart bleeds because we’re missing out on talents like Ademola Lookman. The 1980 Green Eagles and the 1994 Super Eagles should leave our football alone—they’re part of the past.”
ADEKUNLE SALAMI: “This result is terrible. I’ve never seen such a horrible game. What a shame! We’ve played four games without a win. The blame lies with the NFF; their decisions are always driven by sentiment.”
DURO IKHAZUAGBE: “It’s unfortunate that Lesotho has more points than the Eagles. A team ranked 149 by FIFA, while Nigeria is ranked 30th. The NFF should be ashamed. They’ve neglected the players’ attitudes in camp and we don’t have a good technical bench.”
The frustration among these editors reflects a broader concern about the direction of Nigerian football and the management of the national team.
