A National Embarrassment: Odegbami Reacts to Nigeria’s CHAN Collapse
Segun Odegbami, legendary Nigerian footballer and revered columnist, has issued a scathing critique following Nigeria’s humiliating 4–0 defeat to Sudan in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.
Writing with the weight of history and heartbreak, Odegbami described the loss as ‘inconceivable’ and ‘amongst Nigeria’s worst and most humiliating in history.’
The match, which saw the home-based Super Eagles concede four unanswered goals, has triggered widespread outrage among fans and stakeholders. For Odegbami, the defeat was not just a footballing failure—it was a national disgrace.
‘I am still in shock. I have been unable to write anything since the match. I am still trying to recover from the trauma of the 4-0 humiliation of Nigeria by Sudan in CHAN last weekend,’ Odegbami wrote in his column in major Nigerian newspapers on Saturday.
The team, composed entirely of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), was expected to showcase the strength of domestic football. Instead, the performance exposed deep cracks in Nigeria’s football administration and decision-making.
Odegbami did not mince words about the appointment of Malian-born coach Eric Chelle, whose selection by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had already raised eyebrows.
‘The team was assembled from the best players in the Nigerian Premier League, supposedly one of the best leagues in Africa. They were coached by a foreigner, a Malian, whose appointment was shrouded in controversy and secrecy. The result was a disaster.’
Adding to the chorus of discontent was a private message from Odegbami’s longtime friend, Yakubu, a man known for his quiet demeanor and rare public commentary. His words, shared by Odegbami, captured the mood of betrayal and disbelief:
‘When we complained about the emptiness and bankruptcy of NFF’s decision to hire the man from Mali as coach, their supporters accused us of crying wolf. Now the wolf has come and devoured the sheep. In CHAN we are already out courtesy of the 4-0 drubbing by Sudan. Na wa! No Naira rain also for the home-based Eagles.’
The timing of the defeat was particularly painful, coming just days after the Nigerian government lavished rewards on other national teams for their recent successes. The expectation was that such gestures would inspire excellence across all levels. Instead, the CHAN team’s collapse has left fans questioning the very foundation of Nigerian football.
Odegbami’s commentary serves as both a lament and a call to action. He urges the NFF to confront its failures and embrace transparency, merit, and accountability.
‘This is not just about losing a match. It is about the soul of Nigerian football. We must ask hard questions and demand honest answers.’
