“‘Who Cares About AFCON?" Former Board Member Criticises NFF After World Cup Exit

“‘Who Cares About AFCON?" Former Board Member Criticises NFF After World Cup Exit

By Admin 

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to generate backlash, with former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive and ex–Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barrister Chris Green, sharply criticising the country’s football leadership and dismissing the importance of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes ended on Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, where they suffered a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final playoff round. The loss has cast a shadow over preparations for the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria will open their campaign on 23 December against Tanzania.

Speaking to Vanguard, Green argued that winning the continental tournament would do little to ease the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.

“Who cares about the Nations Cup?” he said. “We have won AFCON three times. There is nothing new about winning it again.”

‘Nigerian Football Is in Tatters’

Green delivered a scathing assessment of the current NFF administration, accusing its leadership of incompetence and suggesting that the country’s football structure has collapsed.

“The state of Nigerian football is not encouraging at all. It is in tatters,” he said. “We have a problem of competence. The people responsible for administering and developing the game are not capable. The job appears to be beyond them.”

He criticised what he described as the federation’s poor visibility and lack of accountability, alleging that Nigerians rarely hear from key administrators.

“How many people are really running football in this country? We hardly see the president. They are supposed to report periodically because football is our national asset,” he added.

Loss of Influence in CAF and FIFA

Green further argued that Nigeria has lost its once-commanding influence within African football’s governing bodies. Citing the controversial CAF Champions League clash between Rivers United and Morocco’s RS Berkane, he said the incident reflects diminishing respect for Nigeria.

“Even in CAF, we can’t hold our own anymore,” he said. “If we had people there, they would respect Nigeria. They would fear Nigeria.”

He dismissed the significance of Nigerians occupying roles on CAF and FIFA committees, calling such appointments personal rather than national achievements.

“Those individuals were appointed in their private capacities,” he argued. “Their membership brings no tangible benefit to Nigeria.”

Critique of Foreign-Born Player Dependence

Green also challenged the federation’s increasing reliance on foreign-born players, suggesting it has weakened the domestic league and shut out homegrown talent.

“Now you have 100 per cent of the national team coming from outside. What does that show?” he asked. “We once ensured the domestic league was strong because we depended on local players.”

Call for Long-Term Reforms

The former NFF board member insisted that Nigeria needs a comprehensive, long-term football development strategy rather than short-term fixes.

“If we win the AFCON and our football remains in tatters, what good is that?” he said.

Green called for a national sports conference and a ten-year strategic roadmap to rebuild the domestic league, revive youth football, and restore Nigeria’s standing in African football governance.

“We need total restructuring,” he said. “Where will Nigerian football be in 2030, 2040 or 2050? Let us tell ourselves the naked truth.”