Former Nigerian international and football icon, Segun Odegbami, has delivered a sobering verdict on the national team's prospects for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 73-year-old legend has bluntly stated that the Super Eagles, under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, lack the capacity to clinch a fourth continental title in Morocco.
Odegbami's Stark Assessment and Lost Interest
In a candid revelation, Odegbami admitted he has stopped following the team's preparations since their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 1980 AFCON winner explained that the disappointment was not just emotional but also financial for many, including himself, for whom football is a business. He pointed out that numerous business owners suffered significant financial losses due to the team's absence from the world stage.
"I have not been following the Super Eagles preparation for AFCON, since our exit from the World Cup qualifiers," Odegbami told Punch. "The reality is that some of us gave up because football is our business and qualifying for the World Cup is the peak of our business." He further questioned the team's merit, stating, "If I want to be honest with you, I don't think Nigeria deserves a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, because we didn’t work hard enough."
Eric Chelle's Mixed Tenure with the Super Eagles
The Franco-Malian coach, Eric Chelle, was appointed to steer the Super Eagles after a disastrous start to the World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria managed only a few points from their opening four matches. Chelle, 48, initially oversaw a remarkable turnaround, guiding the team to four wins and two draws to finish second in their group behind South Africa, securing a playoff spot.
However, the campaign ended in heartbreak as Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in the playoff final, missing out on the World Cup. Prior to this, Chelle had tasted success by winning the 2025 Unity Cup, where the Eagles defeated Ghana 2-1 in the semifinal and Jamaica 5-4 on penalties in the final.
Despite this minor trophy, Odegbami remains unconvinced. He argues that the current squad, despite boasting world-class talent, has lost the interest of many core fans and lacks the collective effort and quality needed to conquer Africa.
A Glimmer of Support Amidst Criticism
Not all legends share Odegbami's pessimistic outlook. Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has publicly backed Eric Chelle to continue as head coach. Oliseh defended the manager, suggesting that the deep-rooted systemic problems within Nigerian football were a bigger obstacle than Chelle's tactics, and that the coach should not shoulder all the blame for the World Cup qualification failure.
This divergence of opinion highlights the ongoing debate about the team's direction. As preparations for AFCON 2025 in Morocco intensify, the pressure mounts on Eric Chelle to prove his doubters wrong and unite a talented but often underperforming squad. For Segun Odegbami and many disillusioned fans, only tangible success on the highest stage will restore their faith.
