Former Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami, has launched a scathing attack on the leadership of Nigerian football, calling for a complete overhaul of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Odegbami, often regarded as a lone voice in advocating reforms within the system, described Nigeria’s absence from the global tournament as unacceptable for a country with such a rich football heritage.

With the World Cup set to proceed without Nigeria, the former Green Eagles star expressed deep frustration and urged the government to take immediate action.

“The government must act,” he stressed, insisting that urgent steps must be taken to remove what he described as “dead wood” within the football administration.

According to him, the incompetence of current NFF officials poses a serious threat to the unity and national pride typically fostered when the Super Eagles compete on the international stage.

Odegbami emphasized that Nigeria’s failure to qualify should be treated as a matter of national concern requiring swift intervention from all stakeholders.

“This is not an Odegbami project; it is a national call to rescue our football from the stranglehold of scavengers who have nothing to offer beyond what they can take from the system,” he said. “If others choose to watch from the sidelines, I will continue to push this cause to the very end.”

Fondly known as “Mathematical” during his playing days, Odegbami maintained that World Cup qualification should be the minimum expectation for a nation of Nigeria’s stature in global football.

Beyond the sporting disappointment, he highlighted the significant economic implications of Nigeria’s absence. The country forfeits a guaranteed $10.5 million (over ₦15.5 billion) in FIFA participation and preparation funds.

He further noted that the loss extends to reduced sponsorship opportunities, diminished global visibility for Nigerian players, and a decline in local economic activities tied to tourism and broadcasting.

Participation in the expanded 48-team tournament would have secured funding representing up to 87 percent of the NFF’s projected annual budget, resources that could have been invested in grassroots development and long-term football infrastructure.

Odegbami concluded by reiterating the need for structural reforms to ensure sustainable growth and prevent future failures on the international stage.