Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay‑Jay” Okocha has called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and other stakeholders to address lingering off‑field issues that could derail the team’s performance at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.Okocha argued that while the Super Eagles have the talent, their inconsistency is rooted not just in on-pitch performance but in structural and administrative weaknesses.
He stressed the need for a defined and functional team structure rather than quick fixes, warning that attempts to patch problems without tackling root causes could undermine the squad’s prospects. Okocha argued that Nigeria’s pool of talent is vast, but success depends on ensuring that all distractions and disputes off the pitch are resolved before heading into a major tournament.
In his view, the federation should prioritise building an environment where players can focus fully on performance free from contract disputes, financial worries, or administrative inefficiencies. According to Okocha, that level of stability is as important as tactical preparation when competing at the continent’s highest level.
