Sports
‘Players’ Poor Attitude, Bane Of Nigeria’s Football’
Soccer enthusiasts in Nigeria have continued to react to Zambia’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations and blamed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the competition on lack of cooperation among players.
Zambia, last Sunday in Libreville, Gabon, defeated Cote d’Ivoire 8-7 on penalties, after 120 minutes of the match had ended goalless.
It was the first time Zambia would win the championship which began as a continental competition in 1957.
Zambia nearly won the trophy in 1994 but lost 1-2 in the final to Nigeria in Tunisia, a year after the country lost almost all its players in a plane crash.
A former Head of Public Relations, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Austin Mgbolu, told newsmen “that Nigerian stars were too full of themselves.
“I must tell you that lack of cooperation among the players really led to their downfall and Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the finals.
“Many of our big professionals think they are too big to work for their country, they feel reluctant when they are called to play for their country.
“I believe Nigeria could have won the championship as they did in 1994, when they showed the world that they were hungry for goals,’’ Mgbolu said.
According to Mgbolu, Zambia won the competition through determination.
“There is no short cut to hard work; Zambia have shown that victory is possible through determination.
“Stars on their own cannot make a team; there is need for cooperation among them in order to succeed.
“Players must learn to humble themselves and work as a team, especially for the sake of the country that expects much from them,’’ he said.
In his contribution, Ahmed Maude, President, Referee Association of Nigeria, said that Zambia played an energetic game at the tournament, which was very good.
He advised the Super Eagles to cooperate, adding, however, that there were several academies that could build young players that would play for the country in the future.
“We will ensure that players from the grassroots are managed well so as to have patriotic ones,’’ Maude said.
Also, Mohammed Ameen, a CAF Referee Instructor, said that he wanted Zambia to win, to console them for what happened 18 years ago when 25 of their players and the coach, died in a plane crash.
He said that in addition to his wish, they also played a good game, as they had trained hard.
Ameen said that though Cote d’Ivoire had stars in their team who could have won the match, but they did not go the extra mile.
“African teams have shown to the world that they are determined and patriotic and can go to any length.
“Nigerian teams are not dedicated, loyal and determined; they should try to learn from Zambia and be more committed and display patriotism.
“The blame is ours; we refused to punish them each time they misbehaved but would rather pamper them,’’ he said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
-
Editorial5 days agoEnough Of Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians
-
Sports5 days agoOparaodu Urges Rivers United To Win Katsina United
-
Education5 days agoUNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students
-
Nation5 days agoRSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoRivers PETROAN Elects 12-Member Executive
-
Politics5 days ago
APC Group Protests Ex–Presidential Aspirant’s Disqualification From Rivers Senatorial Race
-
Sports5 days ago” Nigeria’s best domestic players are not in NPFL”
-
Politics5 days ago
Reps Speaker Secures APC Return Ticket For Fifth Term