Akpoborie Slams NFF Over Delayed Super Eagles Squad List

Former Super Eagles forward Jonathan Akpoborie has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for delaying the release of the national team’s squad list ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs, describing the move as a recurring problem that reflects poor planning.

Speaking in an interview with Brila FM on Thursday, Akpoborie expressed frustration over what he called the NFF’s “typical habit” of waiting until the last minute before announcing player call-ups for crucial international fixtures.

“It is typical of Nigeria. They always waste time,” he said. “By now, there should have been an official announcement. What is the NFF waiting for? This delay can be dangerous.”

The retired striker, who was part of the Golden Eaglets team that won the 1985 U-16 World Cup, said such sluggishness from the federation has long hurt Nigeria’s football progress, both at the senior and youth levels.

‘Delay Is Dangerous,’ Says Former Striker

Akpoborie argued that the lack of early communication from the football body not only disrupts team preparation but also affects player morale and logistics. According to him, every successful football nation relies on proper planning and early coordination, a culture Nigeria still struggles to embrace.

“Maybe two or three days before the game, you’ll see everyone scrambling to bring in players,” he said. “This attitude has affected us and kept us where we are today. Delay is dangerous, that’s the most important thing.”

Read also: Mikel Obi demands action on NFF if eagles miss 2026

The former international, who had an illustrious club career in Germany with Stuttgart and Wolfsburg, also reminded the NFF that consistency and organization are essential to competing effectively on the global stage.

Super Eagles Set For Playoff Tournament

The Super Eagles will feature in a four-nation playoff tournament in Rabat, Morocco, where they will face Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s first test will come against Gabon in the semi-finals on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex. Gabon’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, has already been named in a 27-man squad for the encounter, underlining the contrast between both nations’ levels of preparation.

The NFF has yet to issue an official statement or release a squad list for the playoff, even as fans grow anxious about the team’s readiness.

Akpoborie, who scored four goals for Nigeria during his international career and won medals at the 1992 and 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, urged the federation to take responsibility and avoid the familiar pattern of chaos before major matches.

“This is not new,” he said. “We’ve been here before. Until we start doing things early and properly, we’ll continue to struggle no matter the talent we have.”