Super Eagles triumph over Gabon amid crisis, Odegbami calls for reform
Former Nigerian international and football legend, Segun Odegbami, has raised serious concerns about the persistent mismanagement of Nigerian football even as the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought victory against Gabon in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
Writing before and after the encounter, Odegbami described Nigeria’s journey as one of ‘romancing crisis, succeeding with difficulty, and marching on with hope.’
He lamented the recurring issues of unpaid allowances, broken promises, and poor welfare management that continue to plague the national team ahead of decisive fixtures.
According to him, these challenges have become a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s football DNA, distracting players and undermining their performance at critical moments.
On the eve of the Gabon clash, the Super Eagles reportedly refused to train, protesting unpaid bonuses from previous victories. The matter was only resolved 24 hours before kickoff, leaving the team with just one training session.
Odegbami warned that such avoidable crises not only smear the image of the players but also put the nation at risk of failure, as the players are forced to demand their entitlements at crucial times.
Despite the distractions, Nigeria overcame Gabon in a tense encounter that stretched into extra time. The Eagles struggled for much of the match, missing several scoring opportunities and surviving an early penalty scare.
Odegbami noted that only central defenders Benjamin and Calvin stood out in an otherwise underwhelming performance. The turning point came late in the game when Victor Osimhen redeemed himself with two brilliant goals that sealed victory.
While congratulating the team, Odegbami emphasized that the win was flattering and did not reflect the true difficulty of the match. He expressed concern over Ademola Lookman’s poor showing, attributing it to ongoing challenges at his club.
Nonetheless, he praised the resilience of the Eagles, who managed to ‘kill the match’ in extra time despite the odds.
Odegbami urged Nigerian football administrators and government officials to end the cycle of unfulfilled promises and poor player welfare.
He stressed that patriotism cannot be demanded from players when their rights are neglected, adding that some players are still owed allowances dating back decades. He called for immediate reforms to ensure that players are adequately equipped, physically and psychologically, for the battles ahead.
Looking forward, Odegbami congratulated the Super Eagles for their victory over Gabon and wished them success in their next ‘do-or-die’ encounter against DR Congo, the second of three crucial hurdles in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
