Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has sharply criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after the body publicly blamed captain William Troost-Ekong and striker Cyriel Dessers for Nigeria’s shaky 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Eagles had entered the September fixtures knowing only six points would keep their hopes alive. They scraped past Rwanda with a narrow 1-0 victory in Uyo, but faltered in South Africa, where they settled for a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein.
NFF Singles Out Players
Following the results, the NFF issued a review that directly faulted Troost-Ekong and Dessers. The move sparked outrage, with Odemwingie branding it a sign of weak leadership.
“It is a sign that wrong people are working in our federation, it’s very unprofessional,” he said on Brila FM.
“Fans Could Do Better” — Odemwingie
The former West Brom and Lokomotiv Moscow forward argued that those in charge lacked the expertise required for their roles:
“These are people who work in positions without the required qualifications. They are just like fans—you could give that job to ordinary fans, and they’d probably do just as well.”
Team Unity Over Scapegoating
Odemwingie, who featured for Nigeria in two World Cups and won Olympic silver in 2008, stressed that singling out players after a draw only worsens the situation.
He insisted football is a team sport and accountability must go beyond blaming individuals.
Pressure Mounts on the Eagles
With two decisive fixtures ahead, Nigeria must rediscover form to secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The federation, coaching crew, and players are now under the spotlight as fans demand a turnaround.
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