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Nigeria’s failure to qualify for two consecutive FIFA World Cups has triggered a strong call for change from former Super Eagles midfielder Etim Esin, Footynaija reports.
The former AA Gent playmaker believes experienced leadership is urgently needed to revive the country’s fortunes.
The Super Eagles, who first appeared on the global stage in 1994, have now missed both the 2022 tournament in Qatar and the 2026 edition after falling short in crucial qualifying ties.
Esin is convinced that decline reflects deeper structural issues within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), rather than just setbacks on the pitch.
“Let’s call a spade a spade you failed twice to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, it’s not acceptable,” he told Brila.
Esin pointed to a lack of clear direction and long-term planning as a major concern, insisting that Nigeria must rethink its approach if it hopes to compete with the continent’s best again.
“Anyone they want to turn the table around, (they need) a long term plan in the next four years how are we going to work towards this to make sure we qualify for the next World Cup, that’s the problem,” he added.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the federation’s technical leadership, including the department overseen by Augustine Eguavoen.
“The technical department too, what are they doing. Eguavoen and co have been the head of technical department. For two consecutive World Cups we didn’t qualify yet you people are still there.”
“I believe this is a role that I’ve spent the last 45 years of my life preparing for!”
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 19, 2023
Newly-appointed Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo and chairman Saad Al-Lazeez speaking today…🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/oiMDAV1YIn
As part of the solution, Esin has backed the appointment of Michael Emenalo, whose pedigree was built at Chelsea and later at AS Monaco, where he earned a reputation as one of football’s most respected sporting directors.
“We have people like Michael Emenalo who has proven that he is capable, and the experience of someone like Mikel will help our fortunes,” Esin suggested.
Emenalo’s track record in recruitment and player development, helping identify stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and N’Golo Kanté, has strengthened calls for his expertise to be harnessed at national level.
Michael Emenalo is currently the Director of Football for the Saudi Pro League (SPL). Appointed in July 2023, he is the first person to hold this inaugural position.
