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Ex-Enyimba Coach Yemi Olanrewaju has revealed that Super Eagles players lacked commitment.
Former Enyimba assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju has called out the Super Eagles players for what he describes as a lack of commitment and professionalism in Nigeria’s faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
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In a candid interview with Lagos Talks, Olanrewaju — popularly known as "Yemaster" came to the defence of former head coach Finidi George, saying the blame for Nigeria’s current struggles in Group C should be directed at the players rather than the coaching crew.
Nigeria sits fourth in the group with just seven points from six matches, trailing group leaders South Africa by six points.
The team’s chances of qualifying for the next World Cup now hang in the balance, prompting widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike.
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Olanrewaju didn’t mince words as he questioned the mentality of the current Super Eagles squad.
“When Finidi was the Super Eagles coach, six of the regulars were not available for the game, and the game was in the summer,” he said.
He continued, “Nigerians actually want the World Cup, but the players don’t want to go to the World Cup. They are not interested, take it to the bank.”
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The former Enyimba tactician highlighted that many of the foreign-based players failed to show the urgency and dedication required for important qualifiers.
“Just imagine that it was Finidi that drew against Zimbabwe at home or any home-based coach; you’re dead. But nobody talks about it.
“I always tell my players that they need to have character. As players, without a coach, there are some games you should never lose. Finidi lost to Benin, but is it only Benin that cost us the World Cup? Look at the gap,” he added.
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Yemaster also criticised the attitude of the Super Eagles stars during the last international window, recounting how other national teams had full squads early in camp, while Nigeria lagged.
“I usually don’t miss Super Eagles training because Uyo is close to Aba. As at four days before the game, the players had an important World Cup qualifier; almost all the players in Europe had already reported to their national teams despite their hectic schedule,” he said.
He added, "Hakimi had already joined the Morocco camp, but our players were busy clubbing in Lagos when camp had opened.”
With four qualifiers remaining, Nigeria must now rely on a near-perfect finish — and perhaps a bit of luck — to book a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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