Austin Popo calls for overhaul to fix Nigeria’s football crisis

Former Nigeria international Austin Popo has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigerian football, blaming political interference and poor leadership for problems across the sport. Nigeria currently sit first in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 standings with nine points from three matches, having won all three and scored eight goals while conceding four.

Popo said the national-team situation should not be viewed separately from the condition of the domestic league and grassroots game. In his view, repeated setbacks are symptoms of weaknesses within the wider structure rather than isolated failures involving coaches or players.

He questioned whether some people in key football positions possess the technical understanding and administrative ability required to manage the sport effectively. Popo also objected to political interests shaping football decisions, arguing that administration should be led by people with stronger knowledge of the game.

The former international has previously pushed for ex-players and other football professionals to have a greater role in running Nigerian football. He believes the right personnel must be placed in technical and administrative positions, with greater competence and accountability throughout the system.

Nigeria’s recent form presents a mixed picture outside the AFCON campaign. The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Portugal, drew 2-2 with Poland, beat Jamaica 3-0 and Zimbabwe 2-0, then drew 2-2 with Jordan. That sequence stands alongside their perfect AFCON record, but Popo’s argument is focused on the structures beneath individual results.

His call comes after a difficult period that included the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 World Cup. Popo wants stronger grassroots programmes and domestic foundations capable of developing players for the national teams, rather than repeated short-term responses to each setback.