Former Tremendous Eagles ahead, Jonathan Akpoborie, has expressed frustration over the nationwide workforce’s delayed launch of its squad listing for the upcoming World Cup playoff matches, simply eight days earlier than kickoff.
The ex-international described the scenario as “utterly avoidable” and reflective of long-standing administrative inefficiencies in Nigerian soccer.
Akpoborie, who was a part of the golden era that represented Nigeria on the 2000 African Cup of Nations and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, stated that such last-minute planning has change into a worrying development that usually impacts workforce preparation and total efficiency.
“It’s typical Nigeria,” he stated bluntly. “Each time we’ve got a serious match or qualifier, there’s at all times some delay — both in releasing the listing, arranging journey logistics, or finalising coaching plans. This shouldn’t be taking place only a week earlier than such an necessary match.”
Based on Akpoborie, the delay not solely disrupts gamers’ focus but additionally limits the teaching crew’s potential to correctly strategise, assess health ranges, and construct cohesion.
“You possibly can’t count on world-class outcomes with subpar preparation,” he added. “Soccer is now not guesswork. Different international locations finalize their lists early sufficient to provide gamers time to adapt and mix, however we maintain repeating the identical errors.”
The previous Wolfsburg and Stuttgart striker additionally questioned the communication hole between the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) and the teaching crew, suggesting that larger transparency and effectivity are wanted if the Tremendous Eagles are to face an actual likelihood of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Akpoborie additional warned that any type of disorganization at this stage might show expensive, particularly as Nigeria faces robust competitors within the upcoming CAF playoff mini-tournament. “We’ve got the expertise — little doubt — however with out correct construction and preparation, even the very best gamers can look extraordinary,” he stated.
He concluded by calling on the NFF to be taught from previous errors, urging them to begin appearing with professionalism and foresight. “We are able to’t maintain scrambling on the final minute. It’s time we began doing issues the fitting means,” Akpoborie careworn
