“It’s a disgrace” – Ex-Leeds United star slams Super Eagles coaching delay amid AFCON qualifier pressure

Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has voiced strong criticism against the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for their prolonged delay in appointing a new head coach for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nearly two months after parting ways with Finidi George, the NFF has yet to make a decision, leaving the national team in limbo as the AFCON 2025 qualifiers loom.

The NFF has reportedly shortlisted Tom Saintfiet, Eric Chelle, and Herve Renard as potential candidates, but no appointment has been made.

With just a few weeks remaining before Nigeria's crucial qualifier, Sodje described the situation as a “disgrace,” stressing the negative impact it has on the country’s football.

Sodje expressed his frustration with the state of Nigerian football, urging the NFF to act swiftly.

He suggested that if a permanent coach cannot be appointed immediately, the federation should consider installing an interim manager to guide the team through the upcoming qualifiers.

Reflecting on the broader state of sports in Nigeria, Sodje lamented the declining standards and emphasized the need for better preparation.

Thes former Leeds United and West Brom defender argued that Nigeria's football has lost its competitive edge and that the ongoing coaching uncertainty is emblematic of deeper issues within the sport’s administration.

“It’s just sad that we’re still talking about a coach and there’s nothing we can say,” Sodje told Brila FM.

“Not only football, but sports in the country have really gone down. I think football has been something that we have to agree that we’ve lost touch with.

“Not having a coach at this time is terrible. But just because we have to play the game, having an interim manager might be the best idea, but it has to be done ASAP.

“If we’re going to settle for a manager first, this is something that we should have done a long time ago because we need someone in there and you’re expecting to win. We shouldn’t be hoping at all.

“Preparation in this country is just ridiculously bad. We’re far, far behind where every other country should be, and it’s a disgrace.”

Since their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in February, the Super Eagles have struggled to find form, winning just one of their last four matches.

This record adds to the urgency of resolving the coaching situation as the team prepares for a challenging AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.