Former Super Eagles striker, Jonathan Akpoborie has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for failing to release the team list ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs, warning that the federation’s “habitual delay” could cost the team dearly.
Akpoborie, a member of the Golden Eaglets squad that won the 1985 U-16 World Cup, said the federation’s poor planning has become a recurring weakness that undermines Nigeria’s football ambitions. “It is typical, typical of Nigeria. They always waste time,” he said during an interview on Brila FM.
The former VfB Stuttgart and Wolfsburg forward lamented that the NFF’s disorganisation continues to reflect in the team’s preparations, adding that the Super Eagles’ chances of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup could be affected. “By now, there should have been an official announcement. What is the NFF waiting for? This delay can be dangerous,” he warned.
Akpoborie argued that last-minute player call-ups and rushed logistics have been a long-standing issue within Nigerian football. “Maybe two or three days before the game, you’ll see everyone scrambling to bring in players. This attitude has affected us and kept us where we are today. Delay is dangerous, that’s the most important thing,” he added.
The Super Eagles are currently preparing for the World Cup playoff tournament in Rabat, Morocco, where they will face Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo for a ticket to the next stage. The team’s opening fixture is against Gabon on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, other teams have already unveiled their squads ahead of the showdown. Gabon’s coach has named a 27-man squad led by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Cameroon and DR Congo also released their final lists weeks ago.
