Why I’m not happy Nigeria is going to AFCON — Ex-Brentford star reveals

Former Brentford defender Sam Sodje has opened up on why he is uneasy about Nigeria’s participation in AFCON 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.

The ex-international expressed concerns over the state of Nigerian football and suggested the tournament may act as a distraction from the structural issues that continue to affect the game.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are aiming to secure their fourth AFCON title as they prepare to kick off their campaign in 10 days against Tanzania in Morocco.

The Super Eagles squad for #AFCON2025 is set.

Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and 26 others will fly the flag in Morocco under Eric Chelle.

Naija, let’s go again. #Naija4TheWin #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/eKR3IHOii6

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 11, 2025

However, the odds appear to be stacked against the team following concerns surrounding Eric Chelle’s squad selection for the tournament.

Sam Sodje: Ex-Brentford star on player opportunities

On the squad selections, Sodje emphasised the importance of giving in-form players a chance while avoiding over-reliance on Victor Osimhen.

“Anyone who is playing well at their club deserves a chance in the national team. Yes, it hasn’t worked out for him with the national team in the past, but he is playing very well at the moment. We are also trying to ensure that our team is not a one-man team that depends solely on Victor Osimhen. If someone can come in and share the goalscoring responsibility, I think it would be a great addition. Considering the kind of season he is having, I hope he gets an opportunity to play,” he told Footy Africa.

Is Nigeria Diverting from the Real Issue?

Sodje also warned that participating in AFCON 2025 might distract from deeper structural problems in Nigerian football.

He explained: “I’m not happy that we are going to the AFCON because I see it as a distraction. I believe the Nigeria Football Federation needs to fix our football, although I still hope the team performs well at the tournament. I wish we were not going to the competition so we could focus on fixing our football. It may sound harsh, but it is the truth. I don’t think people realise how low Nigerian football is at the moment, which is why I believe the tournament serves as a distraction from reality.”

Soccernet’s verdict

While Sodje may have voiced an uncomfortable truth about AFCON serving as a distraction for the Super Eagles—and the Nigeria Football Federation—from the deeper issues plaguing Nigerian football, it would still be unthinkable for Nigeria to sit out the tournament, especially after finishing as runners-up in the last edition.

The problems within Nigerian football are long-standing, but the focus must now shift beyond this. There is a growing need for stronger oversight, with calls for FIFA to permit limited intervention that would enable the appropriate authorities to properly scrutinise the federation, particularly in the management of funds and alleged irregularities.

This, more than anything, may be the real test of whether Nigerian football is ready for genuine reform.