Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has revealed that he is no longer following the Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), citing disappointment after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Odegbami, a prominent figure from Nigeria’s golden football era, shared his views during an interview on Inspiration FM in Uyo. He admitted that the World Cup setback left him—and many other passionate Nigerian fans—disillusioned.

“I am not following their preparation for AFCON. Since our exit from the World Cup qualifiers, some of us gave up because football is our business, and qualifying for the World Cup is the peak of our business,” he said.

The former Green Eagles winger, who played a key role in Nigeria’s first AFCON triumph in 1980, was candid about the national team’s shortcomings. According to Odegbami, the Super Eagles did not put in enough effort to earn a place on football’s biggest stage.

“I don’t think we truly deserved a place at the World Cup because we didn’t work hard enough; we were not just good enough. So, I’m not following what’s happening before AFCON, and I won’t be going for AFCON, and that’s the reality,” he added.

The 2025 AFCON is set to kick off on December 21, with Nigeria already in Fes to contest Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.

Outside national team matters, Odegbami remains active in sports development. The former Olympian, who represented Nigeria at the 1976 Games, recently visited Akwa Ibom State, where he delivered a motivational talk titled “Sports and I” to athletes. The event also featured cash rewards for winners of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba.