National crises - British-Nigerian actor urges Super Eagles to rebuild identity and win AFCON after World Cup failure

British-Nigerian actor and filmmaker Razaaq Adoti has expressed deep concern about the direction of Nigerian football, describing the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a “national crisis.”

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup after suffering a defeat against DR Congo.

Speaking passionately with Punch, Adoti said the Super Eagles face enormous pressure to redeem themselves by winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, especially after what he believes has been a worrying decline in quality and identity.

Adoti, known for his roles in Hollywood and British productions, revealed that football was actually his first love and childhood ambition before acting took centre stage.

“I am such a sports fanatic. I’ve been a sportsman all my life. I was playing football 24/7. I even had trials with Brentford back in the day,” he said.

Adoti was visibly frustrated by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, saying a country with Nigeria’s football heritage and talent should not be missing consecutive tournaments.

“I was so angry. For a nation of our size and standing in world football, it is a major setback.

“We don’t have a true playmaker. We have energy and athleticism, but where is the vision to break teams? Once we win the ball, what happens next?” he added.

“There’s real pressure on this team. Nigerians expect answers and improvement," he said ahead of AFCON 2025

He also criticised the reliance on foreign-based players, insisting Nigerian-based footballers deserve more opportunities.