Ex-Super Eagles star, Jonathan Akpoborie shared his blunt assessment of Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Akpoborie blamed the NFF of poor management, questionable coaching decisions, and a lack of proper preparation especially for away games.
“Since they let José Peseiro go and appointed Finidi George, the only problem with the Super Eagles has been a management issue—everything outside the pitch. The way the team is handled affects the players,” the former forward said.
He criticized the federation’s failure to understand the mentality of the Europe-based players:
“The players we bring from Europe don’t have the same mental resilience as those who grew up in Nigeria. Everything that happens around them affects their performance on the field.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s recent qualifier against South Africa, Akpoborie questioned the planning and logistics.
“We played our game on a Saturday, why not on Friday? South Africa played on Friday and were already waiting for us at home. We had to travel on Sunday, then trained just once on Monday, and played on Tuesday. That’s not preparation.”
He dismissed complaints about the quality of the pitch in Bloemfontein:
“It’s not about the field. South Africa took us to the hottest part of their Country because they know our boys play in Europe and can’t cope with the heat.
“When we were playing, if we had a game in Zambia, we’d camp in Kenya for 10 days to adjust to the climate. That’s what’s missing now proper planning. These are all management issues.”
“We’re in a tight corner. But until it’s mathematically over and we can’t catch up, it’s not finished.”
Akpoborie insisted that the players will respond if given the right conditions and leadership.
“The players will give you everything if you give them the right environment. That includes the right coach who can make good decisions at the right time.”
He expressed frustration with how top striker Victor Osimhen is used in the team:
“We don’t utilize Osimhen’s strengths enough. He struggles to score for the national team, unlike in Europe where he nets over 30 goals a season. Look at how they build around him in Europe he gets the ball in the right areas. That’s what’s missing with the Super Eagles.”
Akpoborie said that the team played its best football under Finidi George even though results didn’t go Nigeria’s way.
“The only coach the Super Eagles have actually played football under was Finidi George. We built up play from the back. But once we lost a game, everyone started panicking.”
He questioned the decision to replace Finidi:
“With everything we’ve seen, how is the new coach better than Finidi? Remember, Finidi didn’t even choose the players he invited. I’m not defending him or supporting anyone — I just say it how I see it.”
He called for trust in local coaching talent:
“Eric Chelle is not better than our home-based coaches. Give the Super Eagles job to the Remo Stars coach and he’ll do better.
“I’ve watched some NPFL teams play. It’s not perfect, but there are things you can build on. And that coach has something you can work with if they let him do his job.”
Jonathan Akpoborie was part of Nigeria’s historic 1996 Olympic gold winning team. He featured in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: 1992 (bronze medal) and 2000 (silver medal).
