Former Green Eagles player, United States-based, Paul Okoku, says if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the response by Nigerians must be constructive, particularly, in examining both technical and administrative factors.

The Super Eagles, sitting in fourth position in their Group with just seven points, requires divine intervention to pick a ticket to the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

Okoku, assistant Flying Eagles captain in 1983, said in a message to The Guardian, that a transparent review of the team’s performance is necessary if Nigeria fails to pick the 2026 World Cup ticket.

“The disappointment that followed when the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup held in Qatar was profound,” he said. “For Nigerian football fans, the World Cup symbolises pride, unity, and national achievement. It is no surprise that, when results fall short, the backlash is swift and unforgiving. One of the first figures to face criticism is often the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). But the future of Nigerian football hinges on stability, strategic planning, and continuous development. As fans reflect on the nation’s footballing trajectory, the focus should remain on building a resilient and competitive Super Eagles, not merely on finding a scapegoat.

“If the Super Eagles fail to qualify this time, the second term tenure of the current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau should be judged on his overall leadership. If he has demonstrated vision, competence, and dedication, then a second ticket for him (Gusau) could be justified. True leadership means navigating through failures, making necessary adjustments, and steering the team toward sustainable progress,” he said. No NFA or NFF president has survived second tenure in office after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

However, Okoku said that before calling for Gusau’s resignation or opposing a second term, it is essential to take a step back and consider a broader perspective saying: “Leadership encompasses far more than the results on the pitch.”

Okoku, a philanthropist, further stated that it is important to recognise that Gusau is neither a player nor a coach. “His primary responsibility as the NFF President is to provide leadership, ensuring that the national team has the resources, environment, and competent management to succeed. A significant aspect of this role is appointing a capable coach with the tactical acumen necessary to lead the Super Eagles.

“If Gusau appointed a qualified coach, gave them the autonomy to select assistants, and ensured proper support for the technical crew, then he has executed his responsibilities as a leader. At that point, the accountability shifts to the coach and players. Football is unpredictable — even the most well-prepared teams can lose despite following the coach’s game plan.”

According to Okoku, Nigerian football has a troubling pattern of reacting to failures by swiftly removing coaches and calling for the resignation of NFF leadership. “Is this approach effective? Frequent managerial changes undermine team cohesion and morale. Each coach needs time to implement their philosophy, and continuous disruption often does more harm than good.

“Rather than resorting to impulsive decisions, fostering stability and trusting the appointed coach may yield better long-term results. Frequent changes in coaching, particularly after every two or three matches during qualification, epitomise critical flaw in Nigeria’s football management: a lack of continuity. Over the past few years, how many coaches have we had? Three of four?

“The incessant turnover is not only alarming but detrimental to the long-term development of the sport. We often seek immediate results, a “firehose” approach where failure to deliver prompts swift dismissal. This mentality disregards the fundamental principle that sustainable success in any field, be it football or business requires continuity, which fosters growth, expertise, and stability. Without it, true progress becomes unattainable,” Okoku stated.