Every year, Nigerians look to countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas with admiration as governments implement policies that improve the lives of their citizens. From efficient public transportation and quality healthcare to sound governance and effective sports administration, these achievements are the result of deliberate planning, accountability and consistent implementation.

Ironically, many of these successful models are familiar to Nigeria. Government officials frequently embark on study tours to countries where such systems thrive, while international organisations continue to provide technical support and policy recommendations. Yet, many of these lessons rarely translate into meaningful reforms at home.

The same pattern appears evident in Nigerian football.

Accountability After Failure

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has once again demonstrated how seriously many nations treat sporting performance. Across several countries, disappointing results have been followed by swift administrative changes, with football authorities insisting that poor performance must carry consequences.

Côte d’Ivoire, eliminated in the Round of 16, saw the president of its football federation resign shortly after the team’s exit.

Senegal dismissed head coach Pape Thiaw after the country’s Round of 32 elimination, with the Senegalese Football Federation stating that the decision followed a comprehensive evaluation of the team’s performance and future prospects.

Algeria also parted ways with head coach Vladimir Petković after the team’s World Cup exit, while Tunisia removed Sabri Lamouchi following a heavy defeat in the group stage and immediately appointed experienced coach Hervé Renard.

Portugal’s Roberto Martínez resigned after his side’s elimination, declaring there was “no point in continuing” without achieving the ultimate objective. Days later, the Portuguese Football Federation appointed veteran manager Jorge Jesus on a four-year contract.

Elsewhere, football administrators, coaches and technical staff have accepted responsibility for disappointing campaigns, reinforcing a culture where performance is measured against clear expectations.

Nigeria’s Different Reality

Nigeria’s situation presents a striking contrast.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cups, first missing the 2022 tournament after losing to Ghana on the away-goal rule and then failing to reach the 2026 finals following defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoffs.

Despite the unprecedented setback—the first time Nigeria has missed two consecutive World Cups since making its debut in 1994—there have been no major resignations or structural changes within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Instead, preparations are underway for another electoral cycle. The NFF has fixed its elective congress for September 26, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, after amending its statutes, constituting a 12-member Electoral Committee and passing a vote of confidence on the executive committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The development has attracted criticism from several former players and football stakeholders.

Growing Calls for Reform

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has described Nigeria’s back-to-back World Cup failures as a “disaster,” while football legend Segun Odegbami has repeatedly criticised what he describes as entrenched interests within Nigerian football administration.

Former international Efe Sodje has blamed administrative shortcomings and weak institutional structures for Nigeria’s inability to maximise its football potential.

Ex-striker Odion Ighalo also argued that responsibility extends beyond the players.

“It’s not just the players. We also have to look at the people upstairs because decisions and structure play a big role in why we didn’t qualify.”

Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry similarly described Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup as a significant loss to the global tournament, citing the country’s rich football tradition.

Questions Over Accountability

Critics argue that the contrast between Nigeria and other football nations reflects a broader governance challenge.

While countries that qualified for the World Cup still demanded accountability after disappointing performances, Nigeria—despite failing to qualify at all—has witnessed little administrative consequence.

This has fueled concerns among football stakeholders, who question whether the upcoming NFF elections can deliver meaningful reform without broader institutional changes.

Odegbami has even threatened legal action over the federation’s electoral process, arguing that the current voting structure disproportionately empowers state FA chairmen rather than the wider football community.

Looking Ahead

With campaigning already underway ahead of the September elections, many observers believe Nigerian football stands at a crossroads.

Supporters argue that qualifying for future tournaments, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, will require more than promises. They insist that meaningful reforms, stronger governance, transparent leadership and genuine accountability are essential if Nigeria is to reclaim its place among football’s elite.

For many Nigerians, football remains one of the country’s strongest symbols of unity. The hope is that the lessons embraced by other nations after failure will eventually inspire similar reforms at home, ensuring that future disappointments become catalysts for change rather than missed opportunities.