Odegbami blasts NFF election process

Odegbami blasts NFF election process

...Demands fresh leadership ahead of Lafia polls

Former Super Eagles captain and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, has strongly criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over its planned board elections, insisting that Nigerian football needs a complete change of direction rather than a continuation of the current leadership.

With the NFF elections scheduled to hold next month in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Odegbami said it would be wrong to proceed with another election without first addressing the deep-rooted issues affecting the administration of football in the country.

The Nigerian football legend argued that the federation must engage stakeholders in a sincere conversation about the future of the game instead of repeating what he described as a failed cycle.

"There are so many things that are wrong. We need to have a serious conversation before they jump into elections that we have seen already," Odegbami said.

Reflecting on the performance of the current administration, Odegbami questioned the basis for retaining officials who, in his view, have failed to deliver on expectations.

"They did not take us to the World Cup. They should not be there. That's what we are saying.

"Let's get other people to task."

The former Green Eagles star stressed that his position was not driven by personal differences but by a genuine desire to see Nigerian football regain its lost glory.

"We are all friends. It's not about personalities; it's about the interest of Nigeria. Let's take this decision in the interest of the people, in the interest of the clubs, and not in the interest of those who are perpetuating themselves in office. That's what we are saying," he added.

The forthcoming NFF elective congress is expected to be one of the most closely watched in recent years, with incumbent president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau seeking a second four-year term in office.

The current NFF leadership has faced criticism from sections of the football community over Nigeria's performances in recent years, including the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and concerns surrounding the administration of the domestic game.

However, the federation has also recorded successes during the period, including the Super Eagles' runners-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and won the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Odegbami's intervention is expected to intensify debate ahead of the Lafia polls, as stakeholders continue to weigh the future direction of Nigerian football and whether the federation requires continuity or a new leadership team to restore the country's status as a continental powerhouse.