Segun Odegbami Dismisses Super Eagles’ AFCON Prospects After World Cup Disappointment

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Former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has revealed that he has stepped back from closely following the Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the team’s failure to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup left him deeply disappointed.

The legendary football figure, widely respected for his contributions to Nigeria’s golden era of football, shared his thoughts during a radio discussion on Inspiration FM in Uyo.

World Cup Qualification Failure Dampens Interest

During the interview, Odegbami admitted that the national team’s inability to qualify for the upcoming World Cup significantly reduced his enthusiasm for their AFCON preparations.

According to him, many Nigerians who view football as a serious national business felt discouraged by the setback.

He explained that reaching the World Cup remains the ultimate goal for any national team, making Nigeria’s absence from the tournament particularly painful for supporters.

Strong Criticism of the Team’s Performance

Reflecting on the failed qualification campaign, the former winger offered a blunt assessment of the Super Eagles’ performance.

He suggested that the team’s efforts during the qualification process did not meet the standard required to compete at the world’s biggest football tournament.

At one point in the conversation, Odegbami noted that the disappointment had been so profound that he no longer feels motivated to monitor the team’s activities ahead of AFCON.

He also stated that he does not intend to attend the continental tournament when it begins.

A Legend From Nigeria’s Historic AFCON Victory

Odegbami’s comments carry weight because of his historic role in Nigerian football. The former Green Eagles star was part of the team that secured Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, a milestone achievement that remains one of the country’s proudest sporting moments.

His career also included representing Nigeria at the 1976 Olympic Games, further cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s football greats.

Super Eagles Set for AFCON Group Matches

Despite the criticism, the Super Eagles will still compete in the upcoming AFCON tournament scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025 in Morocco.

Nigeria has been drawn into Group C, where the team will face:

Tunisia
Tanzania
Uganda

The matches will be played in the Moroccan city of Fes, where the team hopes to start its campaign strongly.

Odegbami’s Continued Role in Sports Development

While he may be distancing himself from the national team’s AFCON preparations, Odegbami remains actively involved in promoting sports development across Nigeria.

Recently, he visited Akwa Ibom State, where he delivered a motivational lecture to young athletes. The presentation, titled “Sports and I,” focused on the importance of discipline, dedication, and long-term commitment in sports careers.

The event also celebrated emerging talent, with athletes who performed well at the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival and the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba receiving cash rewards.

Commentary and Football Analysis

Odegbami’s reaction reflects the emotional connection many Nigerians have with the national football team. For supporters and former players alike, failure to qualify for the World Cup can overshadow other competitions because of the tournament’s global prestige.

However, AFCON often provides teams with an opportunity to rebuild confidence and restore national pride.

If the Super Eagles perform strongly in Morocco, they may be able to shift public perception and reignite enthusiasm among fans—even among critics who currently doubt the team’s prospects.

At the same time, voices like Odegbami’s highlight the pressure on Nigerian football authorities to improve long-term planning, player development, and competitive performance.