Former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami has said he has stopped following the Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, citing disappointment over the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on Inspiration FM in Uyo, the football legend said the World Cup exit had affected him and many Nigerians who see qualification as the pinnacle of the game.
“I am not following their preparation for AFCON, since our exit from the World Cup qualifiers, the reality is that some of us gave up because football is our business and qualifying for the World Cup is the peak of our business,” Odegbami said. He added that the Super Eagles lacked the quality and effort required to earn a place at the global tournament.
“I don’t think we truly deserved a place at the World Cup, because we didn’t work hard enough, we were not just good enough,” he said, adding that he would not attend AFCON.
The 2025 AFCON begins on December 21, with Nigeria set to face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C after arriving in Fés on Thursday.