By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Super Eagles midfielder Dimeji Lawal has placed blame squarely on all key stakeholders – the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), coaches, and players – for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12, Lawal pointed to administrative lapses and off-field distractions, notably the players’ strike before the decisive playoff against DR Congo in Morocco.
Ahead of the playoff series, Nigerian players and staff boycotted training in protest over years of unpaid bonuses and allowances, including outstanding payments from the 2025 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. Despite multiple promises, the NFF failed to fulfill these obligations, leading to unrest within the squad just before a crucial match.
“We failed in every aspect of the game and that’s why we were bundled out of the competition by DR Congo,” Lawal said. “They chose to do the right thing at the wrong time. Qualify first, then fight for your money.”
On Nigeria’s chances at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Lawal avoided bold predictions, citing the evolving competitiveness of African football.
He also criticized head coach Eric Chelle’s initial decision to invite 58 players to camp, describing it as indecisive at a stage where a settled squad should already be in place.
“There are no more underdogs in Africa. I expected that by now, the coach would know his core team. You don’t need too many players to prepare for AFCON.”
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON Group C campaign against Tanzania on December 23 at the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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