Former Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha says the Super Eagles’ struggles in recent years stem from a loss of consistency, structure and identity, a decline he believes began after the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on The Exchange with Femi Soneye, the 52-year-old Nigerian football legend reflected on the turning point in the country’s football fortunes and how the team can rediscover its strength.
‘Our decline started after the 2002 AFCON’
Okocha, who captained Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, said that the team’s decline began after the Nations Cup that same year when the squad was disbanded, disrupting the team’s natural transition.
“Well, I think it’s a lack of consistency. In my opinion, Nigerian football started declining after the 2002 African Nations Cup,” he said.
“The team was disbanded, and then some of us were recalled, but I think the squad that we went to the World Cup with in 2002 was maybe the weakest that I played with.”
The former PSG and Bolton Wanderers playmaker added that the disruption meant Nigeria lost its rhythm and continuity.
“In the previous World Cups, we made it out of our groups, maybe we topped the group but in 2002, we didn’t even come out of our group.
“So, that transition didn’t happen as it normally would.
“Before then, we had players who would have been in the national team for years, and then they’d retire and others took over from them.
“But the transition didn’t happen because of the separation, and then about 70% of the team left.”
Jay Jay Okocha in action against Argentina. Photo Credit: Getty Images
‘We don’t win with conviction anymore’
Okocha said the lack of continuity has affected Nigeria’s dominance and belief, both at home and abroad.
“So, I think from then onwards, we’ve had great players who have won tournaments, but that consistency is lacking.
“We don’t win games with conviction anymore. It happens now and then, but then, at least in our home, back then, there were no questions; no matter who you were, it was a matter of how many.
“So, we made our home our fortress, but now, it’s like we’re weaker at home.
“We’ve lost that fear factor. Nations used to be scared to play against Nigeria. Now, people want to play against us.”
‘No quick fix’ for Nigeria’s football problems
When asked how the Super Eagles can rebuild, Okocha insisted that only structure and long-term planning can bring lasting results.
“Putting a proper structure in place and then making sure it works,” he said.
“We always believe in a quick fix, but in football, there’s no quick fix. That’s why it’s a team game, and you need time to build a team.
Austin Okocha. Photo Credit: Getty Images
“Nigeria can never lack talent because of our population; we’ll always produce good players because of our population.
“We have a good squad now, but why are we not consistent? Why are we not winning back-to-back games?
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“I don’t think it’s just the players. It might be other things off the pitch, because you have to prepare before you get on to the pitch.”
‘I still trust this team’ – Okocha backs Chelle’s Eagles
Looking ahead to the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon, Okocha expressed belief in Eric Chelle’s men to rise to the occasion.
“I am the worst person to ask this question because I can never say anything against the national team, because I’m a big fan.
“Once there is a glimmer of hope, of course I will believe, and that is the beauty of football.
Super Eagles. Photo Credit: NFF COMM
“Sometimes you have to do it the hard way. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“I still trust this team; I still believe it’s possible. We put ourselves in this situation, and we are the only ones who can bring ourselves out of it.”
Okocha also reminded fans that the players themselves are feeling the pressure to deliver.
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“The thing is, the players feel it the most. It’s their job; they don’t have any other job at the moment, so of course they would all love to play in the World Cup.
“They also know how disappointed our fans would be if they don’t make it.
“From their last outing, you could see the desire to correct their mistakes. They have given us hope.”
