AFCON is a ‘distraction’ from Nigeria’s Football Crisis - Former Super Eagles star

Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has sparked debate after controversially stating that he wished the Super Eagles had failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), arguing that qualification only distracts from the deep-rooted problems plaguing Nigerian football.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the former defender expressed frustration with the current state of the game in Nigeria, pointing to poor results, administrative inefficiencies, and unresolved issues such as unpaid salaries and bonuses.

He said, “I’m not happy that we are going to the AFCON because I see it as a distraction. I believe the Nigeria Football Federation needs to fix our football, although I still hope the team performs well at the tournament.”

Nigeria failed to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, following a series of disappointing performances during the qualifiers, a situation Sodje believes highlights how far the country’s football standards have fallen.

He added, “I wish we were not going to the competition so we could focus on fixing our football.

“It may sound harsh, but it is the truth. I don’t think people realise how low Nigerian football is at the moment, which is why I believe the tournament serves as a distraction from reality.”