Former Nigerian Football Federation executive, Barrister Chris Green, has sparked strong reactions. He declared that an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title would mean nothing to Nigerians. This statement comes after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Green dismissed the importance of the upcoming tournament in Morocco. He stated that a fourth continental trophy would bring “nothing new” to the country. “Who cares about the Nations Cup?” he asked in an interview with Vanguard. “We have won AFCON three times. There is nothing new about winning the AFCON.”
Nigeria’s national team will face Tanzania on December 23. This match is their opening fixture. However, public mood remains low. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup, despite receiving a second chance through the playoffs.
Accusations of Incompetence and Systemic Collapse
Green openly accused the current NFF leadership of incompetence. He said the nation’s football structure has “collapsed.” “The state of Nigerian football is not encouraging at all. It is in tatters,” he remarked. “We have a problem of competence. The people running the game are not capable. It appears the job is beyond them.”
He further claimed the federation has become almost “invisible.” There is little communication or accountability to Nigerians. This is despite football’s huge national importance. “How many people are really running football?” he queried. “We don’t see the president most of the time. They should report periodically to Nigerians. Football is our national asset.”
Barrister Chris Green addresses the media on the state of Nigerian football.
Loss of Influence in African and World Football
Green also alleged that the NFF has cost Nigeria its standing within CAF and FIFA. He cited the controversial CAF Champions League match between Rivers United and Morocco’s RS Berkane. This incident, he explained, highlighted Nigeria’s weak presence in African football. Such weakness, he argued, encourages disrespect. “Even in CAF, we can’t hold our own anymore,” he stated. “If we had people in CAF, they would expect Nigeria. They would fear Nigeria.”
He questioned the value of Nigerians holding seats on CAF and FIFA committees. He described these appointments as personal rewards. They offer no real benefit to the country. “Of what bearing does their membership of those committees have on Nigeria?” he asked. “They are there in their individual capacities. I don’t consider that as an achievement for the country.”
Damaging the Domestic Game and Player Development
On the pitch, Green criticized the federation’s heavy reliance on foreign-born players. He argued this approach has harmed the domestic game. It has also removed opportunities for Nigerian league players. “Now you have 100 per cent from outside. What does that show?” he asked. “We made sure the domestic league was in good shape. We depended more on domestic players.”
He stressed that Nigeria needs a long-term development plan. Chasing short-term tournament results is not enough. “If we win the AFCON and our football is in tatters, what does that mean?” he pondered. “It does not do us any good.”
A Call for Urgent Restructuring
Green called for a national sports conference. He also proposed a ten-year development roadmap. This plan would rebuild the league, restore youth systems, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in African football governance. “Let us look at ourselves and tell ourselves the naked truth,” he urged. “We need total restructuring. Where will Nigerian football be in 2030, 2040, or 2050?”
