Former Super Eagles star and AFCON winner Segun Odegbami has never been one to shy away from hard truths, especially when it comes to Nigerian football. In a frank interview on Lagos Talks 91.3 FM few days ago, the former winger explained why he does not believe the Super Eagles are ready to win the Africa Cup of Nations, even as expectations remain high among fans. His position, he said, is not borne out of bitterness or lack of patriotism, but from a realistic assessment of preparation, leadership and direction of the national team.
Odegbami, one of the heroes of Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON triumph, spoke with the authority of someone who has experienced tournament football at the highest level.
According to him, the signs he looks for in a potential champion are currently missing in the Super Eagles. He pointed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify convincingly in recent competitions and the absence of a clear footballing identity as major red flags.
“I have not been following the Super Eagles closely since we crashed out of the World Cup qualifiers,” Odegbami said during the interview. “For some of us, football is our business. The World Cup is the peak of that business, and when you fail at that level, it tells you something fundamental is wrong.”
He explained that the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup had a deep psychological impact, not just on the players, but also on former internationals who care deeply about the game. In his view, the team has struggled to recover from that setback, and going into AFCON without addressing those deeper issues makes winning the tournament unlikely.
Odegbami was careful to note that Nigeria still has talented players, many of whom ply their trade in top European leagues. However, he insisted that talent alone is never enough to win AFCON. He stressed that tournaments are won by teams that are properly prepared, mentally strong and guided by people who truly understand the demands of African football.
“We were simply not good enough when it mattered most,” he said. “And when you are not good enough, you cannot deceive yourself. AFCON is not about names or reputations. It is about organisation, hunger and understanding the environment.”
Part of his concern focused on the technical direction of the team under head coach Eric Chelle. While Odegbami avoided personal attacks, his comments made it clear that he is unconvinced about the tactical direction and overall philosophy being implemented. He said he has struggled to see a defined pattern of play or a clear long term vision that inspires confidence.
“I am not watching the Super Eagles the way I used to,” Odegbami admitted. “When I do, I don’t see a team that is growing into something solid. I don’t see that cohesion that tells you this team can go all the way.”
His reservations about the coaching setup tie into a larger issue he has raised consistently over the years: leadership in Nigerian football. Odegbami believes that many of the problems facing the Super Eagles stem from the way the Nigeria Football Federation is run. According to him, football administration in the country has been taken over by politicians and career administrators who have little or no understanding of the game from a player’s perspective.
“For me, this is one of our biggest problems,” he said. “You cannot run football properly if the people making decisions have never played the game at any serious level. Football is not just paperwork. It is about understanding players, pressure, competition and sacrifice.”
Odegbami argued strongly that a former Super Eagles player should be given the opportunity to lead the NFF as President. He believes that ex internationals bring a level of credibility, experience and emotional connection that politicians simply cannot replicate. In his words, football leadership should be about service to the game, not about power or political influence.
“When you have someone who has worn the green and white, who has felt the weight of national expectations, that person understands what decisions mean on the pitch,” he explained. “Politicians come and go, but football people live with the consequences of their choices.”
Beyond administration, Odegbami also spoke about the importance of having former players directly involved with the national team setup. He insisted that every Super Eagles squad going into a major tournament should include at least one respected ex international in a formal role, whether as part of the technical crew or as a team mentor.
According to him, motivation at tournament level goes beyond pep talks and bonuses. He said players often need guidance from someone who has been there before, someone who can speak from experience about pressure, setbacks and what it truly takes to win.
“You cannot underestimate what it means for players to hear from someone who has lifted the trophy,” Odegbami said. “That kind of motivation is different. It is real. It is not theory.”
He added that former players can act as a bridge between the technical crew and the squad, helping to manage egos, calm nerves and keep everyone focused when tensions rise. In his view, the absence of such figures leaves players isolated and more vulnerable to distractions.
While discussing Nigeria’s chances, Odegbami also turned his attention to other contenders, particularly Morocco. He openly stated that he believes the upcoming AFCON might finally be Morocco’s time to lift the trophy after many years of near misses. Playing at home, with strong infrastructure and a clear footballing plan, Morocco ticks many of the boxes he feels Nigeria currently does not.
“I honestly think it might be Morocco’s time,” he said. “They have been building steadily, they have structure, and they have the advantage of playing at home. Those things matter a lot in a tournament like AFCON.”
His comments reflect a broader respect for how some North African countries have invested in long term planning, youth development and coaching education. Odegbami contrasted this with Nigeria’s tendency to rely on raw talent and last minute solutions, a pattern he believes has repeatedly cost the country on the continental stage.
Despite his critical tone, Odegbami made it clear that his comments were not meant to undermine the Super Eagles or dampen national pride. Instead, he described them as a wake up call for everyone involved in Nigerian football. He stressed that the country has the resources, talent and history to be successful again, but only if hard decisions are made.
“We need to stop pretending everything is fine,” he said. “When things are not working, you must say it and fix it. That is the only way forward.”
He urged fans to look beyond sentiment and demand accountability from administrators and decision makers. According to him, real progress will only come when football people are allowed to lead football, and when development is treated as a continuous process rather than an emergency response.
As the AFCON tournament approaches, Odegbami’s words continue to generate debate. Some fans disagree with his pessimism, holding on to hope that the Super Eagles can still rise to the occasion. Others see his analysis as painfully accurate, reflecting years of missed opportunities and structural weaknesses.
What is undeniable is that Odegbami speaks from a place of deep love for Nigerian football. His legacy as a former international gives weight to his concerns, and his insistence on reform highlights a vision of what the Super Eagles could become if the right foundations are laid.
Whether Nigeria goes on to surprise critics or struggles to meet expectations, Odegbami’s message remains clear. Winning AFCON is not just about assembling talented players. It is about leadership, experience, preparation and respect for the game. Until those elements are fully in place, he believes lifting the trophy will remain an uphill task for the Super Eagles.
–Benprince Ezeh
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