Okocha: Nigerian Football's Decline Began After the 2002 Nations Cup

Table of Contents

• Decline of Nigerian Football
• Interview Highlights
• Watch the Interview

Former Nigerian footballer Augustine Okocha, widely recognized as Jay-Jay Okocha, has expressed that the decline of the country’s football began after the 2002 Nations Cup.

Okocha shared these insights during an interview with Femi Soneye on The Exchange, where they discussed the issues confronting Nigerian football.

Soneye inquired, “From your perspective, what do you believe is the issue with Nigerian football? Where do you think we went wrong?”

Okocha responded, “In my view, it stems from a lack of consistency. I believe Nigerian football started to decline after the 2002 Nations Cup. The team was disbanded, and although some of us were recalled, I feel that the squad we took to the World Cup in 2002 was the weakest I have ever played with.

“In the previous World Cup, we advanced from our group and topped it. However, the team was disbanded, and nearly 70% of the players left. Since then, while we’ve had exceptional players who have won tournaments for Nigeria, that consistency has been absent. We no longer win games with conviction.

“Moreover, when athletes play at home, regardless of the circumstances, they tend to lose. We used to make our home ground a fortress, but now it feels like we are vulnerable at home. In my opinion, that was when the problems began. We have lost that intimidation factor; previously, other nations were fearful of playing against Nigeria, but now teams are eager for the opportunity to face us.”

Watch the interview