Soccer Fans Call For Overhaul Of Super Eagles, NFF

Soccer fans have called for the overhaul of Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following their dismal performance at the current World Cup fiesta in South Africa.

Nigeria on Thursday lost 1-2 to Greece in their second Group B match and had earlier lost 0-1 in the opening game to Argentina.

The fans said that overhauling the team and the football governing body became necessary if Coach Lars Lagerback’s contract would be extended to raise a new team.

In Enugu, the fans said that the team’s performance so far in the tournament had been disgraceful, especially the encounter with Greece.

They expressed the view that the solution to the Super Eagles’ gloomy outings was the overhaul.

Benson Akigwe, a businessman, said that he was unhappy with the level of the team’s indiscipline, adding that it contributed to their loss to Greece.

“The team played without commitment and not only unfit but unprofessional in a World Cup game.

“You can’t have your cake and eat it. It will be unjust for the unprepared Eagles to beat at a well prepared side. I hope we have learnt our lessons,” Akigwe said.

He urged the Presidency to ensure that Lagerback was given the opportunity to groom fresh players and improve the quality of the nation’s football.

Nwabueze Okoronkwo, a civil servant, advised the Federal Government to immediately do away with the top officials of the NFF.

Okoronkwo urged the government to create a forum for the election of experienced people to pilot the affairs of football.

The fans in Awka called for the disbandment of the team and the football governing body.

They said the team had brought the country to a low ranking in soccer worldwide.

Fred Okoro, a trader said that the players’ “participation in the World Cup is a waste of the tax payers’ money.”

“The problem of the team is caused by the NFF which should have planned and ensured early preparation for the tournament.

“I think this team and the NFF Board should be disbanded if we want to retain Lagerback to raise a new squad for us”.

Emeka Maduka, a teacher, said football administrators should begin now to plan a programme for raising a new team.

Henry Monye, a businessman, praised goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for his efforts and for being nominated Man of the Match in the two games with Argentina and Greece by FIFA.

In Kano, fans who said the loss to Greece was painful to them, wondered why the team would always crash out of major tournaments very early.

Abdullahi, a journalist, noted that the NFF officials had over-stayed their welcome, and “are only serving their selfish interest.”

Malam Bala Nasir, a public commentator, blamed the team’s loss on corruption.