Former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe has blamed Nigeria’s continued football decline on what he calls “chronic incompetence” within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following the national team’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria fell 3–1 to DR Congo on penalties on Sunday, missing the World Cup for the second time in a row. Speaking after the disappointment, Anichebe said the setback could become a catalyst for overdue reforms.
“Failing to qualify is painful, but this might be the turning point we desperately need,” he wrote on social media.
According to him, the country’s problems go far beyond corruption:
“At the heart of it is deep, chronic incompetence. We keep putting people in key positions who have no strategic plan, no experience in elite performance environments, and no idea how to build lasting success.”
Anichebe, recently appointed Special Adviser on Sports to the South East Development Commission, is currently leading a grassroots infrastructure initiative aimed at improving sports facilities in schools and communities.
He stressed the need for long-term planning instead of quick fixes.
“Real change requires selflessness, patience, and foundations that won’t deliver instant results. It’s about trusting a process rather than chasing short-term solutions,” he said.
Amid calls for ex-players to take over football administration in Nigeria, Anichebe warned that name recognition alone is not enough.
“Just being a former player isn’t a qualification,” he said. “If someone hasn’t studied, built experience, or expanded their knowledge, the role isn’t a birthright.”
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Ekong Weighs International Retirement
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong is reportedly considering ending his international career after Nigeria’s World Cup heartbreak, according to soccernet.ng.
The 32-year-old is said to have told teammates in the dressing room that he was thinking of stepping aside, reportedly saying:
“I will watch you as a fan at the AFCON.”
If confirmed, it would be a major moment for a player who has been the emotional and leadership anchor of the team for nearly a decade.
Ekong’s last competitive start came in the 2–1 win over Lesotho, where he also scored. His involvement has dropped recently, with Wilfred Ndidi often wearing the armband and 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick rising as Nigeria’s brightest young defender.
Since making his debut in 2015, Troost-Ekong has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers. He won bronze at AFCON 2019, made the Best XI of the group stage at AFCON 2021, and captained the team to the 2023 AFCON final, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
With AFCON 2025 beginning in December, the big question is whether Ekong will return for one final appearance or call time on an illustrious Super Eagles career.
