Former Super Eagles star calls decline of Nigeria’s football infrastructure “quite unfortunate”

Former Super Eagles and Inter Milan striker Victor Nsofor Obinna has expressed concern over the deterioration of Nigeria’s sporting facilities, according to Afrik Foot.

The country’s failure to qualify for consecutive World Cup tournaments has prompted several ex‑players to reflect on Nigeria’s decline from the strong potential it displayed in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Between 1999 and 2009, Nigeria hosted a FIFA U‑17 World Cup and a FIFA U‑20 World Cup, events that featured future stars such as Isco and Neymar. Today, only the Godswill Akpabio Stadium meets the standards required for Super Eagles matches.

Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Copyright: imago/Ulmer/Teamfoto

Super Eagles: Obinna Nsofor unhappy with Nigeria’s sport infrastructure

The former West Ham United forward, who earned more than 40 caps for the Green and Whites, noted that Nigeria has not hosted an AFCON tournament since co‑hosting the 2000 edition with Ghana, despite the 2025 event being held in Morocco.

“The fact is that it’s been a very long time since Nigeria, as a country, had the opportunity to host any major tournament. The last one we hosted was in 2000,” the 39‑year‑old said, as reported by Brila.

“We all know the situation we have in Nigeria as a country in terms of infrastructure. The standard of the stadiums is not at the level required to host a major CAF tournament, and that’s the truth.”

Victor Nsofor Obinna in action for Inter Milan. Copyright: Imago

“Even the national team of Nigeria finds it difficult to play matches in the country.”

“In terms of going to other states for Super Eagles games, we have only one stadium in Nigeria that is up to the standard required to host qualifying matches.”

“It’s quite unfortunate and sad. In Nigeria, there is no long‑term plan because we only plan for the present. We don’t have a maintenance culture.”

Nsofor in action for Nigeria. Copyright: imago/Ulmer/Teamfoto.

“A stadium like the Abuja National Stadium, with the amount of money that has been spent on it, cannot even host a national team game. It’s really sad.”

“As a country, we need to do better if we want to move forward. We have to tell ourselves the truth and start doing the right thing.”

“If we put the infrastructure in place, there is no way CAF won’t inspect it and see that it meets the required standards. There is no way they won’t accept our bid and allow us to host the AFCON,” the former Malaga player concluded.

Super Eagles. Photo by Vincent Kamto Copyright: xVincentxKAMTOx IMAGO

With the AFCON 2027 qualifiers approaching, the Super Eagles will play preparatory fixtures in the Unity Cup later this month, followed by matches against Portugal and Poland next month.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer