Former Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, offering a surprising defence of the Nigeria Football Federation amid growing criticism.
Nigeria’s absence from the global tournament sparked widespread frustration among fans and pundits, with many pointing fingers at the federation over issues ranging from management decisions to preparation. However, Ogu has taken a different stance, urging supporters to look beyond the surface before assigning blame.
Speaking during an appearance on Bet9ja’s Home Turf Podcast, the former international suggested that the challenges facing Nigerian football go deeper than administrative structures alone. While acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup, he insisted that responsibility should be shared across multiple levels, including players and technical staff.
“Hold the players responsible, because when I was in the Super Eagles, I was there for years. The NFF provided the best welfare for us to deliver,” he said.
Ogu stressed that the NFF should not be made the sole scapegoat, noting that football development requires collective effort and long-term planning. He argued that constant criticism without constructive support could hinder progress rather than drive improvement.
“I’ll fault the Federation because of the faulty structure, but they do try. They provide the best hotels, make sure we get our bonuses. They do their best, even though it might not be enough.
“Don’t put the blame on the NFF alone. Blame the players too. They should share the responsibility,” he added.
The midfielder also highlighted the need for stability within the national team setup, pointing out that frequent changes and external pressure can affect performance on the pitch. According to him, building a competitive squad capable of qualifying consistently for major tournaments takes time and patience.
His comments come at a time when debates around Nigerian football governance remain intense, with calls for reforms and better organisation continuing to dominate discussions. Ogu’s defence of the federation, however, offers a contrasting perspective that shifts part of the focus back onto the team and broader system.
Despite the disappointment, he expressed confidence that the Super Eagles can bounce back stronger, provided lessons are learned and the right structures are put in place moving forward.
As conversations continue around Nigeria’s World Cup setback, Ogu’s remarks have added a new dimension to the debate one that emphasises shared responsibility rather than placing the burden solely on the federation.
