Table of Contents
- Reaction to Nigeria’s Performance
- Issues in Sports Administration
- Struggles of Nigerian Football
- Outcome of the Qualifiers
Sports editor and journalist, Opeyemi Akinyode, has expressed his views on Nigeria’s performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, stating that the Super Eagles do not merit a spot in the tournament.
Akinyode shared his thoughts following Nigeria’s defeat to DR Congo during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.
He attributed the setback to the individuals overseeing sports administration, arguing that they fail to grasp the complexities and demands of the global sports industry.
“You can’t give what you don’t have. We don’t deserve to be at the World Cup. Serious teams qualify through the standard routes; you can't take shortcuts. Perhaps the God of soccer wanted to grant us a second chance,” he remarked.
“Serious teams are already preparing for the World Cup. They are signing media partnerships. But did you know that we hardly have an official photographer for the NFF? They rely on pictures from bloggers. It’s that straightforward,” he added.
He noted that Nigeria’s football challenges arise from a persistent cycle of leadership within sports management, which replaces competence with mediocrity in favor of patronage.
The sports editor warned that the results seen in the qualifiers reflect the inevitable consequences of such administrative failures, emphasizing that “this is what we can expect moving forward.”
According to DAILY POST, Nigeria lost their qualifying match against DR Congo and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Opeyemi Akinyode say Nigeria doesn't deserve to be in the World Cup?
Akinyode believes that Nigeria's performance and administrative issues indicate that the Super Eagles do not merit a place in the tournament, as serious teams qualify through standard processes.
What are the main issues affecting Nigerian football?
Akinyode points to a continuous recycling of leadership within sports administration that favors mediocrity over competence, contributing to the struggles of Nigerian football.
What was the outcome of Nigeria's match against DR Congo?
Nigeria lost their qualifying match against DR Congo and consequently will not participate in the 2026 World Cup hosted by Canada, the US, and Mexico.
