The latest FIFA rankings have delivered a wake-up call to Nigerian football. The Super Eagles have dropped a staggering eight places, slipping from 36th to 44th globally. Nigeria’s sharp decline comes after disappointing performances in the latest international window. This includes a humiliating 2-0 loss to Rwanda at home in Uyo and a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Benin Republic in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
There is no denying that Nigeria’s sharp decline in global football can be traced back to poor performances in key qualifiers. Observers say the team’s lack of cohesion, inconsistency, and inability to perform under pressure have contributed significantly to the fall. They cite a lose to Rwanda, one of Africa’s lesser-known football nations, for instance. They also talk about the team failing to beat Benin Republic at home, highlights the cracks in the Super Eagles’ armour.
For a team that has consistently been among Africa’s top performers, this decline is alarming. The Super Eagles now sit 5th in Africa, trailing Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria. What’s worse, their total points have dropped from 1503 to 1482.23. This sharp decline indicates a deeper problem—one that goes beyond just a few bad results.
Who’s to blame for Nigeria’s sharp decline?
The blame for Nigeria’s sharp decline can be placed squarely on the shoulders of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Join the coaching staff, too. While the players bear some responsibility for on-field performances, the lack of strong leadership, poor management, and internal infighting have stunted the team’s growth.
Analysts argue that Nigeria’s football administrators have failed to create a solid, long-term plan for the Super Eagles. The frequent coaching changes and instability in the management structure have not allowed for sustained growth. The NFF’s inability to build a cohesive team with a consistent tactical approach is a glaring issue.
The coach’s challenge and selection problem
Another critical factor in Nigeria’s sharp decline is the role of the coaching staff. Since the departure of Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles have lacked a clear tactical identity. Several coaches have been brought in, but none has managed to make a lasting impact.
Former Nigerian international and coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, expressed his disappointment with the current coaching setup. “The Super Eagles need a coach with a long-term vision, not just someone to fix problems in the short term. It’s about building a team, not just a collection of individual players.”
Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa, echoed this sentiment after the recent results. “We are good players, but we need proper leadership,” he said.
Nigeria has an abundance of football talent, yet the country often seems to struggle in maximizing it. Many football enthusiasts argue that the country’s top talents are often overlooked or not given a proper platform to thrive.
“The NFF needs to trust the younger generation,” says sports journalist, Chijioke Okafor. “The likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze should be given more responsibility in the squad. These are the future of Nigerian football, and they need to be nurtured into leaders.”
critics wonder why veteran players, who are past their prime often continue to feature in the team.This, they argue, reduces opportunities for fresh blood to stake a claim.
A nation’s disillusionment
Nigeria’s football fans have become increasingly frustrated with the team’s performances. Social media is filled with passionate complaints and calls for change. “How did we go from being African powerhouse to this?” one fan posted after the Rwanda loss. “This is disgraceful for a country with such footballing history.”
The fans’ disillusionment is understandable. The Super Eagles once held the pride of a nation, thrilling fans with their attacking style and talented players. Now, there’s a sense that the team is rudderless, stuck in a cycle of underperformance.
To halt Nigeria’s sharp decline and restore the Super Eagles to their rightful place in world football, experts say a complete overhaul is necessary.
To start with, they want NFF to focus on creating a stable, long-term management structure. Constant changes in coaching staff have contributed to the team’s lack of continuity. Nigeria needs a coach who is not just a temporary fix but someone who can build a lasting legacy.
Additionally, they call for strategic planing and player development. Nigerian football must focus on developing young talent from the grassroots level. The Nigerian Premier League should be strengthened, and young players should be given opportunities to develop at home before heading to Europe.
There must also be a focus on team cohesion. “It’s not enough to pick players based on their individual performances at club level. The Super Eagles need a coach who can foster team chemistry, build tactical discipline, and develop a cohesive squad. Without that, the team will continue to underperform in major tournaments and qualifiers,” one respondent said.
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