Former Nigeria striker Victor Anichebe says the Super Eagles’ failure to reach the 2026 World Cup should be a “turning point” for Nigerian football, insisting the country must confront “deep, chronic incompetence” at the heart of its structures.
His comments follow Nigeria’s 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF play-off final in Rabat. The match ended 1–1 after Frank Onyeka’s early strike was cancelled out by Elia’s 32nd-minute equaliser.
DR Congo held firm through a tense second half and extra time before converting the decisive spot-kick to move closer to their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Anichebe said too many people still do not understand the real problem behind Nigeria’s struggles. “It isn’t just about corruption or misuse of funds,” he wrote.
“At its core, it’s about deep, chronic incompetence.”
FULL Statement. Image Credit: Anichebe Instagram.
He criticised the appointment of individuals who lack the expertise required to run a modern, high-performance football setup.
“We keep placing people in key positions who have no strategic plan, no experience in high-performance environments, and no understanding of what sustainable success truly requires,” he warned.
Anichebe scored once for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The former Everton striker also challenged the culture of rewarding past players with leadership roles without the necessary qualifications. “Being an ex-player is not a qualification,” he said.
“This role is not a birthright just because of past career achievements.”
READ MORE:enyimba-sack-eguma-after-embarrassing-eight-game-run-in-the-npfl
He called for a shift towards patience, planning and integrity. “Real change demands selflessness, long-term thinking, and building foundations that won’t produce instant rewards,” Anichebe added.
“If we want serious outcomes, we must start having serious conversations that lead to serious decisions.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Anichebe made his Nigeria debut in 2008, scored in an Olympic qualifier against South Africa and won silver at the Beijing Games. He retired from international duty in 2013 after earning 11 caps.
